Celebrate Earth Day by joining us for a hike at Deer Grove Forest Preserve. We will explore areas within both the East & West Preserves!

On this hike, we will sample stops along the hikes path include: Deer Grove Lake, a sampling of the ravines within Deer Grove West, Camp Reinberg, waters of Deer Grove East and other natural features of Deer Grove.

Difficulty Level: The hike is suitable for hikers of all ability levels. The hiking surfaces will consist of single track dirt trails, crushed gravel and asphalt trails. The single track trials may have obstacles to navigate such as downed trees, exposed roots, steep but short ascents and descents and possible wet areas.

Duration: The hike will be 2 hours in duration, give or take, and the distance hiked will be approximately 4 miles.

Parking / Meeting location: We will meet by the picnic shelter at Grove 4 within Deer Grove West. The entrance road is on the west side of Quentin Rd,north of Dundee Road and south of Lake Cook Road. The entrance road is directly across from the Camp Reinberg campgroundon the east side of Quentin Rd. Once within the Preserve follow the signs to Grove 4.

What to wear/bring: Be sure to bring your own water and enough to last the duration of the hike (not available at the preserve). Long pants, sturdy boots offering some water protection are rerecommended. Expect your boots or shoes to get dirty, possibly muddy. Optional equipment: trekking poles, ruck sack with personal equipment, insect repellant

Meet your volunteer guide: Tom is retired after a 30 plus year career in Information Technology. He’s an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys exploring the woods through day hikes, snowshoeing, trail running and alpine skiing. Tom especially enjoys and appreciates the beauty of each season within the preserves.

This event is free, but please register to secure your spot. If you have any questions about this walk or the Trailblazers Walking Series, contact Sydney Armstead, Engagement Program Manager, at [email protected].