Group Hikes

Embark on a journey with fellow enthusiasts or enrich your knowledge on the go! We’ve got your hiking experience sorted. Explore our curated group hike programs, each with unique themes that cater to diverse interests. While some adventures may call for registration, rest assured, this list is regularly refreshed to align with the changing seasons.

YOGA & HIKE SERIES

Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m. Register Here by May 1
Deer Haven Park, Ages 15+
Get a great start to your weekend with yoga followed by a spring hike! For beginners and anyone who practices yoga. Program takes place indoors. Mats available.

WHAT ARE MOON TREES?

Friday, Apr. 26, 5:30 p.m.
Char-Mar Ridge Park, All Ages
Branch out on a stellar adventure on Arbor Day! Learn about the trees sent to the moon in 1971. Test your native tree knowledge as we hike the Glacier Ridge Trail and learn the history of the park.

HIKE TO THE OSPREYS & WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY

Saturday, May 11, 1 p.m.
Hogback Ridge Park, Ages 7+
Register Here by Apr. 29
Join staff for a rugged hike along Alum Creek’s primitive equestrian trail. Use the eBird app to identify birds as we scale steep hillsides and cross creeks to the osprey overlook and learn the history of Hogback Ridge Park. Wear sturdy hiking boots and bring binoculars.

SUMMER NIGHT HIKES

Friday, June 21 – Blues Creek Park
Friday, July 19 – Hickory Woods Park
Friday, Aug. 9 – Char-Mar Ridge Park
8:30 p.m., Ages 8+
How do some animals live in darkness? Come learn how animals navigate the dark while using your senses to experience what it’s like to be nocturnal.

TREK YOUR NEW TRAILS

Sunday, June 23 – McCammon Creek Park
Sunday, July 7 – Emily Traphagen Park
Sunday, Aug. 4 – Deer Haven Park
10 a.m., All Ages
Discover your parks! Hike with a naturalist on some of the newest trails in the Park District, while learning a bit of park history. Trekking poles and binoculars are available, fi rst come fi rst serve. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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Programs

Adventure Run

Get “in” to nature…literally. Run the primitive adventure trail while maneuvering through mud pits and conquering both natural and man-made obstacles (including a slip and slide down the sledding hill). The run is family friendly and just under 2 miles. No strollers or pets please. Be prepared to get wet and muddy.

FLEX Trails (Free Local EXercise)

FLEX Trails are established along the trails at Char-Mar Ridge Preserve. Stations set up along the trails include signs that explain how to do various exercises, right there, with no equipment

Geocaching in Preservation Parks

Geocaching and letterboxing are fun hobbies that provide a great reason to enjoy the outdoors. Preservation Parks does allow geocaches and letterboxes to be placed in the parks, as long as Park District guidelines are followed.

Mindfulness Trail

This 1 mile walk invites you to several stations that will provide different ways to practice mindfulness along the trail.

Photography Contest

The photo contest is open to all amateur photographers, youth to adult. Amateur is defined as someone who derives less than 50% of their annual income from the sale of photographs or photographic works.

School, Scouts, and Youth Outreach

Looking for a fun and engaging learning experience for your classroom, Scout group or other community group? From night hikes to live animal programs and farm tours to agricultural heritage programs, the Preservation Parks Education Department offers outreach programs covering a variety of natural and cultural history topics.

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