Hike Lake County Participation Grows As Fall Challenge Returns

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Thousands of hikers are expected to hit Lake County Forest Preserve trails this fall as a popular annual challenge returns for its 28th season.

Participation in Hike Lake County has continued to climb, according to Marcela Martinez, Environmental Educator for the Lake County Forest Preserves.

In 2024, 1,882 people participated in Hike Lake County. That number increased by about 14 percent to 2,144 participants in 2025, Martinez said.

So far this year, participation is tracking closely with last year based on numbers from August and September.

"We typically see participation pick up in October and November, when fall colors, milder temperatures and fewer mosquitoes make it an especially appealing time to hike the designated trails," Martinez said.

The annual Hike Lake County program challenges residents to explore trails at forest preserves throughout the county before Nov. 30. Participants who complete at least seven designated hikes can earn a free commemorative item.

This year's program has a historical theme tied to America's 250th anniversary. Each participating preserve features a historical panel in English and Spanish, while four preserves have additional history panels along the designated trail.

Mikus said environmental and history educators worked together to select this year's 12 preserves, looking for locations with interesting stories as well as practical considerations such as parking and restrooms.

Recent restoration work and geographic distribution throughout Lake County also factored into the selections.

"Choosing just 12 was challenging because every forest preserve has its own unique natural and cultural history," Martinez said. "We hope the historical panels give walkers a deeper understanding of the people, places and events that shaped Lake County and encourage them to see these familiar landscapes in a new way."

The 2026 featured hikes include:

• Captain Daniel Wright Woods in Mettawa — 2.5 miles
• Cuba Marsh in Deer Park — 1.6 miles
• Ethel's Woods in Antioch — 1.3 miles
• Fort Sheridan in Lake Forest — 1.1 miles
• Grant Woods in Ingleside — 2.5 miles
• Grassy Lake in Lake Barrington — 1.8 miles
• Half Day in Vernon Hills — 1.9 miles
• Independence Grove in Libertyville — 1.5 miles
• Lyons Woods in Waukegan — 2 miles
• Raven Glen in Antioch — 1.7 miles
• Ray Lake in Wauconda — 2.6 miles
• Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth — 1.9 miles

For families and people trying the challenge for the first time, Mikus particularly recommends Fort Sheridan and Van Patten Woods.

The Fort Sheridan route is 1.1 miles and follows an accessible route using asphalt trails and boardwalks. Van Patten Woods offers a 1.9-mile route along crushed gravel and grass trails through the woods. Both preserves are dog-friendly.

The Captain Daniel Wright Woods, Grant Woods and Ray Lake routes each count as two trails toward the seven-hike requirement.

Dogs can participate in the challenge, too. Hikers can include their dog's name on their travel log when the pet completes a qualifying hike. Dogs that finish can receive a commemorative tag for their collars, with up to three dogs allowed per participant.

Mikus said the variety of locations — and the chance to discover a new preserve — has helped keep the challenge popular for nearly three decades.

"Now in its 28th season, Hike Lake County has become a fall tradition for many people," Martinez said. "Featuring 12 different preserves each year encourages participants to explore trails and places they may not have visited before."

The ability to bring dogs and collect a different commemorative medallion each year provide additional incentives, Martinez said.

To participate, hikers should download a travel log and record each completed hike. One log can include as many as five participants, and households can submit up to two logs.

After completing seven qualifying trails, participants can choose between a commemorative hiking shield or a zipper pull/dog tag while supplies last. This year's design features a bald eagle.

A "Wild Card" option also allows participants to substitute a 2-mile walk at any Lake County Forest Preserves trail.

Hikes must be completed between Aug. 15 and Nov. 30. Travel logs must be submitted by Dec. 31 to receive the commemorative item. Logs can be submitted online, in person or by mail.

Bicycling and horseback riding do not count toward completion of the challenge.