Take a hike
Fall means festivals, and festivals mean lots of delicious food and drink. It also means beautiful colors and glorious sights to see. What better way to work off those calories than by admiring the sights on the many hikes that are available in the Chicago area? And most of them are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
The hiking opportunities are endless, so be sure not to miss out on getting a great workout intermingled with some enchanting views. Just don't forget to pack your camera and a few bottles of water.
Deer Grove Forest Preserve
Located in the Northwest corner of Cook County, Deer Grove links with the Palatine Trail and Quentin and Dundee roads. The multi-use unpaved trail is convenient for hikers, bikers and equestrians. Some of the sights include a rolling upland forest that is combined with wooded ravines and wetlands. Divine creeks also make their way into this trail and connect into the two lakes that make up part of this forest preserve. As you are trying to keep up the pace, it will be hard not to stop and admire the luscious oak, maple and hickory trees. Visit fpdcc.com for details.
Chain O' Lakes State Park
Since this state park is close to the Wisconsin Border, you'll be surprised by the hilly terrain on the 15 miles of trails. You will also encounter active wetlands and big bluestem prairie grass at a spectacular height of 8 feet to 10 feet. There are trails on the east side of the park that meet up with the Fox River and Grass Lake, which allow you to take a break from the breathtaking view of the Fox River wetlands. While you are there, be sure to hike the popular 2.5 mile Nature's Way Trail. Visit dnr.state.il.us for information on these trails.
Danada Forest Preserve
Nestled within Wheaton is nearly three miles of trails that wind through marshes, prairies and woodlands in Danada Forest Preserve. The path is crushed stone and is a favorite of horseback riders. If you're in the mood for a longer hike, Danada links with Herrick Lake and Blackwell forest preserves with more miles of trails.
Geneva Lake Shore Path
You can soak up all the traditional sights and smells of fall as you hike around Geneva Lake along a public footpath. Although it may feel that you are walking right in the middle of a neighborhood, it is open to the public and several of the homeowners around the lake have put up welcoming walkways for hikers. On your hike, you'll see beautiful flower gardens, nicely landscaped lawns, boathouses and even little villages, all surrounded by hills blanketed with trees. One hiking option is to start at the Lake Geneva Library and hike 10 miles to the village of Fontana. If you want to shorten that 10 miles to two, begin in Fontana and hike up the West End Shoreline. The entire journey around the lake is approximately 21 miles. Check out genevalakewest.com/path.php.
Marengo Ridge Conservation Area
If you are looking for a different type of hike, try the three-mile route on hilly terrain with streams and dense woods at Marengo Ridge Conservation Area in southwestern McHenry County. The five miles of hiking trails include hitting a ridge carved by a glacier. Mixed in with fall colors of hickory, poplar, sumac and ash trees is the heady scent of 15 different types of conifers. Make sure you plot your route; this area offers more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Visit mccdistrict.org for details.
Heron Creek Forest Preserve
This brand-new forest preserve near Long Grove just opened to the public. There are more than two miles of hiking on a gravel trail that allows you to scout out more than 116 bird species, including herons. Some other views you will see during your journey include rolling contours and hilltops as well as the Indian Creek basin, which flows through Heron Creek. Visit LCFPD.com to find out more.