Politics & Government

Explore Lake County Through Forest Preserve Hiking Trails Challenge

Use your smartphone and bring the dog along.

Join fellow walkers for the Lake County Forest Preserves' annual Hike Lake County (HLC) challenge and improve your well-being in the great outdoors.

This popular program, sponsored by , encourages participants to get outside and hike trails they may not have visited before. Those who complete the challenge earn a free commemorative shield for their hiking stick. Each year features new trails and a colorful new shield.

To complete the challenge, you must hike 7 out of 12 designated trails between now and Nov. 30. One of the seven trails can be a Wild Card trail of your choice. To keep track of your hikes on "Hike Lake County" trails, download a Travel Log and record each hike with the date and your initials.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Submit the Travel Log by Jan. 31, 2012 to receive a free shield.

Hike Lake County goes mobile

Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

New this year, you can also complete the HLC challenge on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Check-in to 7 of the 12 HLC sites via the new smartphone app, available for free in the Apple App Store or Android Market (search for "Lake County Forest Preserves"). A Facebook, Twitter or Foursquare account is required to enable check-in.

Spot a rare bird or notice any plants in bloom? Share your hiking photos and nature observations on Lake County Forest Preserves' wall. Show your check-ins on your smartphone by Jan. 31, 2012 to receive your free shield. 

Let your dog join in the fun

Take your dog along with you on the seven trails. Record your dog's name on the Travel Log or on the wall if using your smartphone.

When you turn in your Log or show your check-ins, your canine friend will receive their own free commemorative dog tag (up to three dogs). You can also buy an optional HLC dog collar to hang it on. Dog collars are $5 each.

Details, trail maps

Visit the Hike Lake County website for program details, and trail maps for this year's designated hikes.


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