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

Thu, Jul 25 • 5 pm

Canyon Tour

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439

Fri, Jul 26 • 10 am

Wellness in the Woods Walk

Dan Ryan Woods-West • Chicago, IL 60620

Sun, Jul 28 • 1 pm

Wild Edibles

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Tue, Jul 30 • 10 am

Mommy and Me “Trail Walks”

Dan Ryan Woods-West • Chicago, IL 60620

Sat, Aug 3 • 10 am

History Walk at Evans Field Forest Preserve

Evans Field • River Grove, IL 60171

Sat, Aug 3 • 1:30 pm

Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

Sun, Aug 4 • 10 am

Yoga in the Woods

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480

Sun, Aug 4 • 1:30 pm

Summer in the Woods

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

Wed, Aug 14 • 12 pm

Nature Discovery Day

Swallow Cliff Woods-North • Cook County, IL 60464

Fri, Aug 16 • 8 pm

Going Batty Over Bats! Night Hike

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473

Sat, Aug 17 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves: Interpretive Hike

St. Mihiel Woods-East • Cook County, IL 60477

Sat, Aug 17 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves: Fitness Hike

Joe Orr Woods • Chicago Heights, IL 60411

Sat, Aug 17 • 1:30 pm

Summer Nature Hike

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Sun, Aug 18 • 9:30 am

Late Summer Bird Walk

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305

Sun, Aug 18 • 1 pm

Hummers & Flowers

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Sun, Aug 25 • 1 pm

Sunflower Stroll

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington Hills, IL 60010

Sat, Aug 31 • 7 pm

Date Night Hike

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062

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.