Discover Lake County's myriad hiking trails. All of them
Take a hike!
At least that's what Lake County Forest Preserve District officials hope you'll do as part of their annual Hike Lake County program.
In its 11th year, Hike Lake County challenges walkers to hike on seven of 12 designated trails and record them in a travel log. The goal is to encourage people to visit trails they've never been to before. New trails are chosen each year, and participants get a colored shield when they complete their goal.
This year, participants may also attempt the Burnham Centennial 100-Mile Challenge. In honor of visionary architect Daniel Burnham, the district is offering a special anniversary version of the annual Hike Lake County program. Take the challenge and hike, bike or ride (on horseback) 100 miles on a combination of any Lake County trails.
To be eligible for rewards, the 100 miles must include visits to at least five different trails, and mileage must be logged on a form found on the Web site LCFPD.org/hlc. Completed forms will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2010.
Both programs run through Nov. 30.
"We looked into what exemplified what the Burnham Plan was all about. Kind of long range, big picture, "Make No Small Plan" projects that were regional in nature. Our regional trail system is one thing we thought about," said Andy Kimmel, deputy executive director of the Lake County Forest Preserve. "Our trail system offers over 135 miles of trails. We wanted to offer something that bicyclists, horseback riders and hikers could do, both on forest preserve property and off, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan. One hundred miles, 100 years seemed like a natural fit."
Burnham was instrumental in the development of the forest preserve districts in Illinois and the park system in Chicago. He also envisioned an interconnecting park system throughout the city and the suburbs. Hundreds of organizations around the Chicago region have planned commemorative activities this summer.
"I set out to see if I could do it," said Allison Frederick of Mettawa, who has logged 71 miles so far. "I love being out in the preserves. It is a great way to see the trails and the different parts of the forest preserve."