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
• Hiking & Walking Events
• Trail Rules & Etiquette 

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 & Walking Events

Wed, Oct 16 • 10 am

Mommy and Me Trail Walks

Vollmer Road Grove • Cook County, IL 60478

Wed, Oct 16 • 5 pm

Haunted History Hike

Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452

Thu, Oct 17 • 5 pm

Haunted History Hike

Oak Forest Heritage Preserve-East • Oak Forest, IL 60452

Fri, Oct 18 • 5 pm

Stars, Stories and S’mores

Erickson Woods • Cook County, IL 60093

Fri, Oct 18 • 5:30 pm

Stars, Stories and S’mores

Camp Shabbona Woods • South Holland, IL 60473

Fri, Oct 18 • 6 pm

Scary Stories in the Woods

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Fri, Oct 18 • 6 pm

Owl Prowl

Jurgenson Woods • Cook County, IL 60476

Sat, Oct 19 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves: Fitness Hike

Dan Ryan Woods-North • Chicago, IL 60620

Sat, Oct 19 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves: Interpretive Hike

Plum Creek Meadow • Cook County, IL 60411

Sat, Oct 19 • 1:30 pm

Walk with a Librarian from the Palos Park Library

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Special Event Sun, Oct 20 • 10 am

Fall Festival

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Sun, Oct 20 • 1 pm

Autumn Hues

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Sun, Oct 20 • 1 pm

Fall Color Walk

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Tue, Oct 22 • 6 pm

Owl Prowl

Eggers Grove • Chicago, IL 60617

Thu, Oct 24 • 10 am

Mommy and Me Trail Walks

Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Fri, Oct 25 • 8:30 am

Bird Walk

Penny Road Pond • Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Sat, Oct 26 • 9 am

Busse Forest Nature Preserve Tour

Busse Forest-North • Cook County, IL 60007

Sat, Oct 26 • 9:30 am

Fall Colors Hike

Glenview Woods • Glenview, IL 60025

Sat, Oct 26 • 9:30 am

Harms Woods Nature Preserve Tour

Glenview Woods • Glenview, IL 60025

Sat, Oct 26 • 12 pm

Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve Tour

Country Lane Woods • Cook County, 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.