When the leaves change yellow, orange and brown, it is the viewing party of a lifetime traveling on the best fall hike and bike trails in Lake County. We all can’t get out to New England to see their legendary foliage (and frankly, we don’t need to), but Lake County’s trees pack a kaleidoscopic punch of their own.
When you’re pondering about your fall photo-op, don’t forget Visit Lake County is running its #LetsSnapLakeCountyPhoto Contest. Continue here to learn more.
The historic park in the City of Progress is known for its environmental learning stations representing a forest ecosystem, plus playgrounds and spray area for the kiddies. There is also an exercise trail in the park. The Waukegan Park District area has lush trees and sprawling fields and has a cascade of wonderful colors during the autumn season for your festive fall photo.
“I came along, I wrote a song for you. And all the things you do, and it was all yellow.” The Chain O’ Lakes has a slew of locations where you can shoot autumn pictures of the fam, a selfie, you and your significant other or your furry friends.
All sorts of colors are shifting their appearance during the autumnal equinox at the Chicago Bo. “The falling leaves drift by the window. The autumn leaves of red and gold” are a must-see just south of the Lake County border.
The Des Plaines River Trail and Greenway protects land along more than 76 percent of the river in Lake County, providing wildlife habitat, natural flood protection and outdoor recreation opportunities. The gravel trail spans nearly the entire length of Lake County for 31.4 miles as it winds through 12 forest preserves. It is open for hiking, bicycling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snowmobiling. The trail also connects to the Cook County Forest Preserve trail system
The farm favorite features hayrides, pony rides, camel rides, kiddie rides, an exotic petting zoo, a parakeet exhibit, a corn maze and pig races (the sprinting porkies only gallop on the weekends). Not to mention you can get a sweet pic of that big ole pumpkin you’ve picked.
Once upon a time, this defunct post was one of the United States Army named after Civil War Cavalry General Philip Sheridan. The fort located in Highland Park, Highwood and Lake Forest has been closed since 1993 but is a beautiful backdrop to your gram. From the autumn trees to the Lake Michigan scenery, this National Register of Historic Places and U.S. National Historic Landmark is a photo-op gem.
Ready to compare apples to apples? Snagging one of these red or green treats at the Green Oaks orchard gives a lot of pop to your fall pics. Don’t forget your pot hat so you can go full Johnny Appleseed.
Oak-hickory forests, tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and natural wetlands are an oasis for native plants and animals at this 97-acre preserve. Document your fall expedition with a selfie in the Highland Park area.
Speaking of birds, the waves monikered Lake County Forest Preserve features a rolling landscape of scenic woodlands, open fields and sensitive wetlands. The highest wetland classification in the land of lakes offers views of an array of wildlife habitats and gorgeous plant meadows. Smile for the birdie. Say cheese!
Relish in the rich history of Antioch at the Hiram Buttrick Sawmill Tour. During the tour, visitors will learn about the economic importance of sawmills in the 1800s and will tour the replica facility. Constructed in 1976, the sawmill was built 500 feet downstream of the original site and made of abandoned sawmill material. During the construction of the replica, builders salvaged existing pilings from the original structure.
Right by scenic Lake Michigan, the greens start to change yellow, orange, red and gold. A snap of autumn with the backdrop of the drink provides all of the seasonal feels you need.
This scenic 1,135-acre preserve offers a wide range of outdoor recreation and education opportunities centered around a 115-acre lake reclaimed from a gravel quarry. Visitors can experience fishing and boating, a Marina with boat and bike rentals, a native garden and nearly seven miles of trails. The red, yellow, brown and green pyrotechnic nature explosion is a sight to see and snap a shot.
