Explore the woodlands and grasslands of the Forest Preserves on horseback—enjoy over 200 miles of unpaved trails, ample horse trailer parking and a full-service equestrian center.
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Trail Information
Horse riders can enjoy miles of trails throughout the Forest Preserves. Horse trailer parking is available at select locations.
Licenses & Tags
All riders utilizing trails, driveways and paths within the Forest Preserves of Cook County must possess a Rider’s License, and all horses must possess the appropriate Forest Preserves Horse Tag.
The Horse Tag must be affixed to the left-hand side of the bridle or the saddle and be clearly visible. Failure to follow these rules could result in revocation of the Rider’s License.
Annual Package
An Annual Package includes one Rider’s License and one Horse Tag. Additional Horse Tags may be purchased after purchasing the Annual Package. Customers can choose between a 1-year or 2-year option.
The Annual Package may be purchased online, by mail or in person at Forest Preserves General Headquarters:
- 1-Year: $35 for Cook County residents, $50 for non-residents.
- 2-Year: $70 for Cook County residents, $100 for non-residents.
The Horse Tag and Rider’s License are mailed to the address on the application. Licenses and Tags expire on June 30 of each year.
Annual Rider’s License
The Annual Rider’s License is for customers who don’t need a Horse Tag but still plan to ride a horse on Forest Preserves trails throughout the year. Customers can choose between a 1-year or 2-year option.
The Annual Rider’s License may be purchased online, by mail or in person at Forest Preserves General Headquarters:
- 1-Year: $5 for both residents and non-residents.
- 2-Year: $10 for both residents and non-residents.
The Rider’s License is mailed to the address on the application. Licenses and Tags expire on June 30 of each year.
Day Pass
Riders with a Day Pass are not required to purchase an annual Horse Tag or Rider’s License if they are riding for one day only. The Day Pass is valid on the date of purchase and expires at the end of the following day. Passes must be carried at all times while riding on Forest Preserves trails.
The Day Pass may be purchased online or in person at Forest Preserves General Headquarters for $5 for both residents and non-residents.
Stable Rider License Books
For the convenience of our customers, the Forest Preserves sells books of rider’s licenses to stable owners. Stables, in turn, can sell these licenses to individual equestrians utilizing Forest Preserves trails. However, tags for horses personally owned by customers must be purchased directly through the Forest Preserves.
Horse Trailer Parking
Horse trailer parking at Picnic Grove #1 only.
Trail Rules & Etiquette
- Use official, marked trails. Bicycle and horse riders are prohibited from riding off-trail or on unofficial trails. Off-trail and unofficial trail use—even by walkers and runners—damages plant and wildlife habitats.
- Stay to the right. Ride or walk on the right side of the trail and stay single file whenever possible.
- Pass safely. Give an audible warning (examples: ring a bike bell or say “on your left”) and slow down before passing others. Pass in single file only. Ask permission to pass equestrians.
- Yield to other trail users. Bicycle riders must yield to other types of trail users. Walkers and runners must yield to equestrians.
- Keep your dog on-leash. Most trails allow dogs, but they must be on a leash, controlled by their owner and on the right side of the trail.
- Make sure your ride is allowed. Check our web map to see where you can ride a horse or bike (including class 1 and 2 e-bikes). Not allowed anywhere: Class 3 e-bikes; electrically powered scooters, unicycles and hoverboards; and gas-powered vehicles such as ATVs or motorcycles. People with mobility limitations are allowed to use personal mobility devices.
- Travel at a safe speed. Bicycle and e-bike riders must travel at speeds under 15 miles per hour—or slower in busy areas or where a speed limit is posted.
- Pay attention to trail signs. Signs tell you which trail users are allowed and alert you to hazards or busy areas ahead.
- Keep the trail clear. Do not block trails—move to the side of the trail before stopping.
- Stay out of the mud. Avoid using wet trails—if you are leaving prints, you are damaging the trail.
- Protect yourself. Helmets are recommended for all types of bicycle riders, especially for riders 14 and under.
- Be polite and courteous. Our multi-use trails are for everyone.
- Remember that trail use involves risk. Please review our Trail Risk Statement.
Nature Center Trails
- Nature center trails are for walking only. Bicycles, pets, horses and cross-country skiing are not allowed.
- Nature center trails are open only during posted nature center hours.
Equestrians
- Walk your horse between the stable and trail.
- Keep your horse under control—the only permitted gaits are walk, trot or slow canter. Galloping and racing are not permitted.
- Slow to a walk or slow trot when meeting other trail users.
- Do not hitch horses to trees or other vegetation.
- Do not use paved trails.
- Be humane and kind to your horse.
- Stallions are not permitted on trails.