Take the annual Hike Lake County challenge
Explore designated trails in scenic forest preserves this fall during the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s annual Hike Lake County challenge.
Just 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise can contribute significantly to your overall health and well-being. Walking is one of the easiest ways to add activity to your routine, and your forest preserves provide the perfect setting.
Participants can enjoy fall breezes and autumn colors while exploring designated Hike Lake County trails in forest preserves throughout Lake County. At each preserve, look for Hike Lake County signs at the trailhead to get you started on the right route.
Complete just seven of the 12 designated hikes by Nov. 30 and you’ll earn a free commemorative shield for your walking stick. Each year features new trails and a colorful new shield. Bicycling or horseback riding do not count toward the program. Visit www.lcdpd.org
To get started, you’ll need an official travel log to record each of your hikes. Every hiker needs their own. Select your locations, grab your hiking shoes and head to the trails.
Let your canine companion join in the fun and complete the hikes with you. Record their name on your travel log and your dog will receive a free commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs). You can even purchase an optional Hike Lake County dog collar to hang it on.
Use your iPhone or Android smartphone to complete the challenge. Check-in using our mobile app, available for free in the Apple App Store or Android Play Store (search for “Lake County Forest Preserves”).
Spot a rare bird or notice any plants in bloom? Share your hiking photos and nature comments with other hikers. A Facebook account is required to enable mobile check-in.
To receive your free commemorative shield or dog tag, submit your travel log online; bring it to any Hike Lake County Center; mail it with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Lake County Forest Preserves, 1899 West Winchester Road, Libertyville, IL 60048; or show us your mobile check-ins on your smartphone by Jan. 31, 2014.
2013 Hike Lake County Challenge Trails:
Ÿ Buffalo Creek, 1.8 miles.
Ÿ Captain Daniel Wright Woods, 2.7 miles.*
Ÿ Cuba Marsh, 1.5 miles.
Ÿ Grant Woods, 1.8 miles.
Ÿ Grassy Lake, 2.8 miles.*
Ÿ Greenbelt, 1.4 miles. Construction alert: A 0.8-mile section of the Greenbelt Hike Lake County trail is closed through Aug. 30.
Ÿ Independence Grove, 1.4 miles.†
Ÿ Lake Carina, 1 mile.**
Ÿ Millennium Trail, 1.8 miles.**
Ÿ Old School, 2.8 miles.*
Ÿ Raven Glen, 1.3 miles.
Ÿ Van Patten Woods, 2.4 miles.*
Ÿ Wild Card — you pick. Choose a 2-mile walk at any Lake County Forest Preserve trail.
† Dogs not permitted.
* Counts as two trails.
** Part or all of trail not wheelchair accessible.