Lake Forest Open Lands: Skokie River Nature Preserve

Beautiful, specially with fall colors.. there was a weird smell, but it was tolerable.. overall, a great hike..

Great place for a walk...wide trails..pay attention though, its easy to get twisted around.

I visited Open Lands on Monday, July 28, 2025, on a hot, rainy day. There were several parking spots available. The paths were covered with grass, allowing me to walk barefoot. The plant life was diverse, and the flowers were gorgeous. The walkways were interesting, featuring hanging bridges and boardwalks. Although I could hear the birds, I did not see any wildlife. This is the best forest preserve I have seen in Chicago. Dogs are allowed on a leash and bikes are prohibited on the grass paths. I use the app Trails to guide me on the complex loops as not many signs are available. I highly recommend Open Lands.

A magical place 120 acres of the largest Forest preserve. Paths are grass and gravel. Dogs run and they love it. Also concrete bike pathways with Mile markers so you don't get lost. It's directly across from the lake forest hospital across train tracks or down deerpath road. Definitely the best hike I've been on in the long grove , lake forest area

Beautiful walk on natural trails. The trillium is blooming and lots of warblers to be seen.