Hiking, Walking & Running

a family hiking at Trailside Museum

Looking for a relaxing walk, strenuous hike or interesting run? The Forest Preserves of Cook County has the perfect trail for you.

On this page:

Trail Information

Hikers, walkers and runners can enjoy over 100 miles of paved trails and over 200 miles of unpaved trails in the Forest Preserves.

Hiking Web Map
Trail List
PDF Trail Maps

Hiking & Walking Events

Rolling Knolls Pavilion
Wed, Jul 8 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves

Rolling Knolls • Elgin, IL 60120
open grassland at Orland Grassland
Thu, Jul 9 • 6 pm

Walk and Talk Hike

Orland Grassland • Cook County, IL 60467
Halloween pennant dragonfly at Wampum Lake. Photo by Jim Phillips.
Fri, Jul 10 • 10 am

Insect Discovery Hike

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305
exterior of the Sand Ridge Nature Center building
Fri, Jul 10 • 7:30 pm

Firefly Sunset Walk

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Fri, Jul 10 • 8 pm

What Glows in the Dark?

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
exterior of the Sand Ridge Nature Center building
Sat, Jul 11 • 1:30 pm

Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473
Wed, Jul 15 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves

Tower Road Boat Launch • Cook County, IL 60093
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Thu, Jul 16 • 11 am

Habitat Walk

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
Scientists at Site A Commemorative Boulder
Thu, Jul 16 • 4:30 pm

History Hike

Red Gate Woods • Cook County, IL 60480
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Fri, Jul 17 • 10 am

Pollinator Walk

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
morning on the prairie at Theodore Stone Forest. Photo by Bob Callebert.
Sat, Jul 18 • 10 am

Ecology Walk

Theodore Stone Forest • Hodgkins, IL 60525
Sat, Jul 18 • 10 am

Walk and Talk Hike

Beaubien Woods • Chicago, IL 60827
Wellness in the Woods logo
Sat, Jul 18 • 10 am

Wellness in the Woods: Conversing with Nature

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473
Crabtree Nature Center building in Barrington Hills
Sun, Jul 19 • 1 pm

Poisons of the Prairie

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington Hills, IL 60010
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Wed, Jul 22 • 9:30 am

Explore the Prairie Walk

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
Fri, Jul 24 • 8 am

Photography Walk

Wolf Road Woods • Cook County, IL 60480
exterior of the Sand Ridge Nature Center building
Sat, Jul 25 • 1:30 pm

Powerwalk the Burnham Greenway

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473
Trailside Museum building in River Forest
Sun, Jul 26 • 1:30 pm

Naturalist’s Choice Walk

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Mon, Jul 27 • 9:30 am

Family Exploration

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Tue, Jul 28 • 10 am

Introduction to Bird ID Walk

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
All Events »

Trail Rules & Etiquette

  • Trail users are asked to be polite and courteous to fellow patrons.
  • Off-trail riding is prohibited.
  • Trail users must ride or walk on the right side of the trail.
  • Trail users must give an audible warning before passing others. Announce yourself and slow down to pass.
  • Patrons must obey all signs.
  • Speeding is not allowed.
  • Dogs must be leashed and in control on right side of trail.
  • Helmets are recommended for all riders, and required for riders 14 and under.
  • Bicyclists and horses must ride single-file.
  • Stop only on shoulder of the trail.
  • Ride at a responsible, controlled speed. No racing is allowed.
  • Trail use involves risk, please review our Trail Risk Statement.

Paved Trails

  • Trail users must stay in their own lane.
  • Bicycles must be walked down overpasses.
  • Equestrian use of paved trails is prohibited.

Unpaved Trails

  • Bicyclists and equestrians must stay on designated trails.
  • Bicyclists must yield to hikers and equestrians.
  • Hikers must yield to equestrians.
  • Trail users must ask permission to pass equestrians.
  • Trail usage is prohibited in muddy conditions.
  • Horses must be licensed.

Nature Center Trails

  • Nature Center trails are intended for walking. Bikes, pets, horses and cross-country skiing are not allowed.
  • Nature Center trails are open only during posted Nature Center hours.

Equestrians

  • Walk horses between stable and trail.
  • Slow to a walk or slow trot when meeting other riders, hikers or bicyclists.
  • Do not race horses—always keep horses under control.
  • Stallions are not permitted on trails.
  • Be humane and kind to your horse.
  • The only permitted gaits are walk, trot or slow canter. No galloping, please.
  • Horses may not be hitched to trees.
Page last updated: April 26, 2019