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

exterior of the Sand Ridge Nature Center building
Sat, Feb 1 • 1:30 pm

Live Healthy, Discover Nature! Hike

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Sat, Feb 1 • 1:30 pm

Prairie Wolf Party

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
a person cross-country skiing at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
Sat, Feb 8 • 9 am

Ski the White Winter Wave

Sagawau Environmental Learning Center • Lemont, IL 60439
a trail covered in snow and lined with candles at night at trees and ground covered with snow at River Trail Nature Center
Sat, Feb 8 • 6 pm

Sweetheart Night Hike

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062
a family snowshoeing at trees and ground covered with snow at River Trail Nature Center
Sun, Feb 9

Winter Walks

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Fri, Feb 14 • 6:30 pm

Valentine’s Day Night Hike

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
Crabtree Nature Center building in Barrington Hills
Fri, Feb 14 • 7 pm

Date Night in the Starlight

Crabtree Nature Center • Barrington Hills, IL 60010
trees and ground covered with snow at River Trail Nature Center
Sat, Feb 15 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves: Fitness Hike

Sauk Trail Woods-Central • South Chicago Heights, IL 60411
people hiking in fall
Sat, Feb 15 • 10 am

Hike the Preserves: Walk & Talk Hike

Dan Ryan Woods Visitor Center • Chicago, IL 60620
a hiker at Thatcher Woods with snow and fall colors
Sat, Feb 15 • 1 pm

Warm Hearts, Cold Noses Hike

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Sat, Feb 15 • 1:30 pm

Wild Winter Warmup

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
The visitors center at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Sun, Feb 16 • 10 am

Yoga in the Woods

Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center • Willow Springs, IL 60480
River Trail Nature Center Building in Northbrook
Sun, Feb 16 • 1:30 pm

In Search of the Snow Flea

River Trail Nature Center • Northbrook, IL 60062
a Forest Preserves staff member leading a group on an Underground Railroad history hike at Sand Ridge Nature Center
Sat, Feb 22 • 11 am

Black History Month: Underground Railroad Hikes

Sand Ridge Nature Center • South Holland, IL 60473
Trailside Museum building in River Forest
Sun, Feb 23 • 1 pm

The Des Plaines River and the Underground Railroad

Trailside Museum of Natural History • River Forest, IL 60305
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