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FALL OUTDOOR GUIDE

    
ROAD TRIPS

    

Running, Hiking, Biking Lake County

Run, hike, bike, we have it all...

Very few things are as beautiful as a run, bike or hike through one of our forest preserves. No matter the time of year, Lake County enjoys a kaleidoscope of colors and natural beauty our trails have to offer. The Des Plaines River Trail is a popular trail for running, hiking or biking and one that I personally enjoy exploring. This trail offers absolutely stunning views and runs from the Wisconsin / Illinois Border, through 31 miles of Lake County, including 12 Lake County Forest Preserves. It also provides a link to other trails like the North Shore Bike Path, the McClory Trail and the Millennium Trail. Whether you’re cruising along the peaceful Des Plaines River, coasting under bridges, passing through forest preserves or traveling through scenic meadows, the Des Plaines River Trail always offers a picturesque view.

If you are looking to get away from it all, I highly recommend the Chain O'Lakes trails or the trails at Illinois Beach State Park. The trails at Illinois Beach wind along the shores of Lake Michigan, grassy sand dunes, wetlands, open prairies and diverse woodlands. The trail itself is as diverse as the environment and is paved with various sections of stone, grass, dirt and even sand. You will enjoy a nice brisk breeze off Lake Michigan or the Chain O'Lakes. You cannot go wrong with either path you choose to explore.

With all of these trails to run on and explore, your sneakers should be laced up and ready to hit the pavement in one of the counties numerous 5Ks.

Continue here to view the latest map of Lake County bike paths and trails. Bike path users can tap into this mapping technology on their mobile device while they are on the trails.

Return to Lake County Outdoor Guide


Almond Marsh Forest Preserve
Grayslake
Parking, trails and facilities are not available at this site. Parking along Almond Road can be dang...
Explore Almond Marsh Forest Preserve
Bonner Heritage Farm
Lindenhurst
The eight-acre farm is part of McDonald Woods Forest Preserve with a separate entrance on Sand Lake ...
Explore Bonner Heritage Farm
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
Riverwoods
Located among pristine woodlands in the Ryerson historic home in Riverwoods, Il., Brushwood Center a...
Explore Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods
Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Long Grove
Set amid bustling suburbs, Buffalo Creek is a quiet place to relax and recreate with nature. Its wid...
Explore Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve
Captain Daniel Wright Woods
Mettawa
This peaceful oasis among the bustling suburbs offers 4 miles of scenic trails: a short loop for hik...
Explore Captain Daniel Wright Woods
Century Park
Vernon Hills
The Park's 113 acres, 54 of which are water, includes basketball and volleyball courts, fishing,...
Explore Century Park
Chain O'Lakes State Park
Spring Grove
Located in the heart of Illinois' largest concentration of natural lakes, Chain O'Lakes Stat...
Explore Chain O'Lakes State Park
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe
With its world-renowned plant collections and displays, is one of the country's most visited pub...
Explore Chicago Botanic Garden
Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
Deer Park
It would be hard to find a prettier blend of marsh, woodland and grassland in Lake County than that ...
Explore Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve
Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway
Wadsworth
The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway protects land along more than 85 percent of the river in La...
Explore Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway
Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area & Welcome Center
Riverwoods
Ryerson Woods is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area is one of the best ex...
Explore Edward L. Ryerson Conservation Area & Welcome Center
Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve
Antioch
Experience the beauty of this picturesque landscape reminiscent of a north woods setting as you hike...
Explore Ethel's Woods Forest Preserve
Fort Hill Trail Forest Preserve
Wauconda
Trailhead parking is on west side of Gilmer Rd north of Route 176....
Explore Fort Hill Trail Forest Preserve
Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Ft. Sheridan
A scenic destination, Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve offers a variety of opportunities to recreate in...
Explore Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve
Fourth Lake Forest Preserve
Lake Villa
Named for the lake it borders, the preserve features a scenic peninsula with exceptional lake views,...
Explore Fourth Lake Forest Preserve
Gander Mountain Forest Preserve
Antioch
Within this preserve is Lake County's highest natural elevation. Gander Mountain tops out at 957...
Explore Gander Mountain Forest Preserve
Grant Woods Forest Preserve
Ingleside
Open prairies, quiet woodlands and marshes teeming with wildlife await you at this scenic preserve. ...
Explore Grant Woods Forest Preserve
Greenbelt Cultural Center
North Chicago
This expansive 18,500-square-foot venue is the perfect setting for any occasion, offering indoor and...
Explore Greenbelt Cultural Center
Greenbelt Forest Preserve
North Chicago
Tucked into Lake County’s most urban area is this island of green. A surprising array of bi...
Explore Greenbelt Forest Preserve
Half Day Forest Preserve
Vernon Hills
This quiet and clean preserve features a 1-mile trail for hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skier...
Explore Half Day Forest Preserve
Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
Lake Villa
Four miles of paved and gravel trails wind through open fields, woodlands of stately trees, and wetl...
Explore Hastings Lake Forest Preserve
Heller Nature Center
Highland Park
Visitors can enjoy a 97-acre preserve with oak-hickory forests, tall grass prairie, oak savanna and ...
Explore Heller Nature Center
Heron Creek Forest Preserve
Lake Zurich
Here you'll find valuable natural resources and sensitive wetlands in a country-like setting. ...
Explore Heron Creek Forest Preserve
Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Libertyville
This scenic 1,151-acre forest preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education oppor...
  Explore Independence Grove Forest Preserve
Lake County Forest Preserves
Libertyville
As principal guardian of Lake County’s open space and natural areas since 1958, the District m...
Explore Lake County Forest Preserves
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Wauconda
Lakewood is Lake County’s largest forest preserve, offering trails for hiking, cross-country s...
Explore Lakewood Forest Preserve
Lyons Woods Forest Preserve
Waukegan
Move from pine grove to prairie to oak woodland as you relax at this gem of a spot. This scenic 345-...
Explore Lyons Woods Forest Preserve
Marl Flat Forest Preserve
Round Lake
This scenic preserve is part of an Advance Identification (ADID) wetland complex because of its high...
Explore Marl Flat Forest Preserve
McDonald Woods Forest Preserve
Lindenhurst
Behold the gentle, rolling grassy terrain of this scenic preserve. The dips and rises here were form...
Explore McDonald Woods Forest Preserve
Millennium Trail and Greenway Forest Preserve
Mundelein
The planned 41-mile Millennium Trail is a vital trail corridor designed to connect central, western ...
Explore Millennium Trail and Greenway Forest Preserve
Old School Forest Preserve
Mettawa
One of our most popular spots, offering miles of trails, great bass fishing and secluded picnic spot...
Explore Old School Forest Preserve
Oriole Grove Forest Preserve
Lake Bluff
Locally known as Jensen Woods, this 86-acre preserve straddles the Lake Forest–Lake Bluff bord...
Explore Oriole Grove Forest Preserve
Paulus Park
Lake Zurich
A popular visitors destination, as well as a favorite gathering spot for local residents featuring a...
Explore Paulus Park
Pine Dunes Forest Preserve
Antioch
Pine Dunes features rolling hills and beautiful panoramic views of prairie, savanna and oak-hickory ...
Explore Pine Dunes Forest Preserve
Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve
Highland Park
This preserve features a 20-acre wetland, wet prairie and adjacent oak woodlands, a 1.75-mile trail ...
Explore Prairie Wolf Forest Preserve
Raven Glen Forest Preserve
Antioch
You'll be taken in by this preserve's rolling hills and scenic vistas. Two fishing piers ext...
Explore Raven Glen Forest Preserve
Ray Lake Forest Preserve
Wauconda
Ray Lake visitors can hike, ride bikes or horses, and cross-country ski on a 2.3-mile gravel trail t...
Explore Ray Lake Forest Preserve
Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve
Wadsworth
Sedge Meadow is a living laboratory designed to provide scientists the research opportunities to stu...
Explore Sedge Meadow Forest Preserve
Spring Bluff Forest Preserve
Winthrop Harbor
An observation deck offers a 360 degree view of the preserve's dramatic landscape, which has bee...
Explore Spring Bluff Forest Preserve
The Preserve of Highland Park
Highland Park
The Preserve of Highland Park located adjacent to the Recreation Center of Highland Park opened to t...
Explore The Preserve of Highland Park
Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve
Wadsworth
An oak forest, 86-acre Sterling Lake and the Des Plaines River provide a picturesque backdrop for a ...
Explore Van Patten Woods Forest Preserve
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Ingleside
TRAVEL & VISITOR ALERT: VOLO BOG IS OPEN. Please see their website for details: https...
Explore Volo Bog State Natural Area
Waukegan Savanna
Wadsworth
Within the preserve are two unique special use areas. Each area has a separate entrance off of Yo...
Explore Waukegan Savanna
Foss Park District
North Chicago
Foss Park District is a community hub in North Chicago. Offering a variety of recreational activitie...
Explore Foss Park District
Illinois Beach State Park
Zion
Illinois Beach State Park is now open daily 8 a.m - sundown.  Illinois Beach State Par...
Explore Illinois Beach State Park
North Point Marina
Winthrop Harbor
A world class marina at world class value. Quiet, serene and safe, North Point Marina offers the rel...
Explore North Point Marina
Old School Forest Preserve
Libertyville
Looking for winter fun, Old School Forest Preserve is the place to be. Bring out the sled, cross-cou...
Explore Old School Forest Preserve
Robert McClory Bike Path
North Chicago
The Robert McClory Bike Path runs the length of Lake County, knitting together a string of communiti...
Explore Robert McClory Bike Path


Other Businesses

Patten Rd. Highland Park, IL 60035 312.863.6250
 
636 Ridge Road Highland Park, IL 60035 847.579.3145
 
30700 N. FIsh Lake Rd Round Lake, IL 60073 847.367.6640
 
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