Try Some Trails

Your Lake County Forest Preserves offer endless opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation, relaxation and local nature and history exploration.

More than 200 miles of public multiuse trails run through dozens of preserves countywide. Depending on how far you wish to travel, you can choose a shorter route or a longer excursion. There are options for walking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Some trails lie within areas that require a permit to access, such as our five Off-Leash Dog Areas.

Each fall, experience Hike Lake County, our annual fall walking program. It’s a great way to enjoy time outdoors among autumn breezes and colors. Complete at least seven of 12 designated trails from August 15–November 30 and you’ll earn a free commemorative shield or zipper pull. Bicycling and horseback riding do not count toward the program.

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  Plan Your Visit

  Navigate your adventure with our interactive map.

  Interactive Trail Map

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  Know Before You Go

  Check the status of trails and underpasses, preserve improvements, construction projects, prescribed burns and weather-related closures.

  Check Trail Status

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  Map and Guide

  Explore Expand Your Experience, the official map and guide to your forest preserves. View online or pick up a copy at one of our facilities.

  
  Expand Your Experience (English) | (Español)

Trail Surfaces and Accessibility

Most trails are 8–14 feet wide and made of gravel, considered an accessible surface. Six preserves have accessible paved trails. The paved trails at Hastings Lake, Independence Grove and Old School are plowed in winter. More than a dozen preserves also have short, mowed grass or woodchip trails, which are not considered accessible surfaces.

Regional Trails

Des Plaines River Trail & Greenway (DPRT)
This gravel trail spans Lake County from north to south for 31.4 miles as it winds through 12 forest preserves. It’s open for walking, cycling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling (between Russell and Wadsworth roads). The trail follows the Des Plaines River from Russell Road in Wadsworth south to Lake-Cook Road. Pedestrians cross few roads at-grade along the DPRT with the majority of road crossings separated by a system of underpasses and bridges. Underpasses may close temporarily due to flooding or construction. Check the status map before you visit.

As part of a regional network, the DPRT connects to the Millennium Trail and the Lake County Division of Transportation’s North Shore Bike Path and McClory Trail. See existing and planned regional trail connections in Lake County.

At the DPRT’s south end, a bridge spanning Lake-Cook Road connects the trail to the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s 28.4-mile Des Plaines River Trail System.

Millennium Trail
The planned 41-mile Millennium Trail is designed to connect central, western and northern Lake County. Today, 33 miles of the Millennium Trail are open to walkers, cyclists and cross-country skiers. Horseback riding is permitted along an 11-mile section of gravel trail from Lakewood (Wauconda) north to the parking area at Singing Hills (Volo).

Loop Trails

If you prefer loop trails that bring you back to the starting point instead of out-and-back routes, we have you covered. Loop trails of various lengths are available at these preserves.

Trail Etiquette

For everyone’s enjoyment, please follow these guidelines when using the trails.

• Stay on marked trails. Respect trail and road closures.
• Deposit litter in proper receptacles.
• Always keep dogs leashed and on trails. Pick up after them.
• Travel at a safe speed. For bicycles and e-bikes, the speed limit is as posted, and 20 mph where not posted. Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes are permitted.
• Walk and ride on the right. Allow space on the left for others to pass.
• While walking or cycling, break into single file and control speed when you approach or pass others.
• If cycling with a group, ride single file and control your speed.
• Use caution around horses. Ask the rider if it is okay to pass.