Finding peace in the preserves: Inside the Lake County Hikers community

For many, hiking is a fast-paced workout or a solo escape. But for members of the Lake County Hikers Facebook group, hitting the trails means something completely different: an intentional blend of quiet decompression, community and exploring local wilderness.

Founded in 2022 by Vernon Hills resident Traci Fein, the group was born from a simple desire: Fein wanted to explore the vast network of the Lake County Forest Preserves but felt uncomfortable hiking them alone. Today, the private Facebook group has grown to well over 1,000 members, creating an accessible, welcoming space for adults across the region.

Admins organize a weekly, year-round Sunday hike that spans roughly two hours and covers five to six miles. After the hike, the group often meets for an optional lunch or drinks at a local restaurant, providing a boost to local Lake County businesses. Members are expected to leave navigation apps in their pockets and stay with the group. To maintain respect for local preservation ecosystems, these admin-sponsored events are for adults 18 and older only, and strictly for “two-legged hikers” (i.e., no canine companions).

Because mindfulness and the natural world are two of the most effective, universally accessible tools to immediately alleviate anxiety and recalibrate focus, incorporating them into a weekly routine feels entirely natural. “Nature Therapy” doesn’t just clear away tension for the few hours spent walking under the canopy. Research into ecotherapy confirms that regular green space immersion significantly stabilizes mood, improves sleep cycles and lowers cortisol stress markers for several subsequent days following the hike.

Lake County Hikers brings together college students, busy moms looking for a few hours of quiet, empty-nesters and local seniors. It has become an especially empowering resource for local women who love the outdoors but prioritize the safety of hiking in a group.

Swapping out the noisy atmosphere of a traditional gym for a canopy of oaks in the forest has proven to be an effective antidote to modern stress. Residents looking for fresh air, local community, and a mindful escape can request to join by visiting the Lake County Hikers Facebook Group Page.