Top Local Winter Trails Curated by The Barrington SCOOP

Outdoor activities have obviously become more popular this past year during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are fortunate to have many beautiful trails close by in our areas that really come into their own during the winter months.

Below is a curated list of the top local trails, courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and Lake County Forest Preserves, that will get you outdoors and feeling refreshed this winter.

COOK COUNTY TRAILS

Crabtree Nature Center Trails

Where: Barrington Hills

Length: 3.4 miles

Crabtree Nature Center offers three unpaved walking trails that wind through woodlands, wetlands and prairies. See location and map HERE.

Crabtree Trail

Where: Barrington Hills and South Barrington

Length: 1.6 miles

Extend your walk on the paved Crabtree Trail by connecting to the Paul Douglas Trail via the path along Algonquin Rd. See location and map HERE.

Deer Grove Trails

Where: Barrington, Deer Park and Palatine

Length: 15.5 miles

Deer Grove, the county’s first forest preserve, features nearly 2,000 acres of diverse habitat such as rolling upland forest, wooded ravines, wetlands and prairie. Following years of dedicated restoration work, two areas within Deer Grove are recognized by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as some of the highest quality natural areas in the state. See location and map HERE.

Horizon Farm Trails – TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FALL 2021

Where: Barrington Hills

Length: 1.2 miles

A former equestrian estate, Horizon Farm covers nearly 400 acres and features meadows, wetlands and small streams, as well as open habitat for grassland birds. After permanently acquiring the property in October 2019, the Forest Preserves has been working to provide access to the public in phases, starting in fall 2021. See location and map HERE.

Spring Lake Trails

Where: Barrington Hills, East Dundee and Hoffman Estates

Length: 45.8 miles

Spring Lake (also called Spring Creek) offers the opportunity to do some real trekking over hills and valleys. With 4,000 acres to explore on more than 45 miles of winding unpaved trails, almost anywhere within Spring Lake feels like a secret spot. See location and map HERE.

LAKE COUNTY TRAILS

Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve

Where: Deer Park (24205 W Cuba Rd.)

Length: 3 miles

Three miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and cross-country skiing will take you through open areas of gently rolling hills that feature views of the marsh and scattered groves. A 0.9-mile gravel trail winds from the southern loop of the main trail through the southwest corner of the preserve to Barrington's Citizens Park. This trail segment includes a boardwalk and a 50-foot-long timber bridge. See location, map and more information HERE.

Grassy Lake Forest Preserve

Where: Lake Barrington (23860 N. Old Barrington Rd AND 23900 West Kelsey Road)

Length: 5.6 miles

Grassy Lake is a quiet, contemplative site, featuring gently rolling hills, oak woodlands, marshes and moraines. The preserve's 5.6 miles of gravel and mowed grass trails offer some of the best access to the banks of the Fox River. Trails here wind through colorful sedge meadows, mature oak woodlands, and a variety of other natural habitats. Six scenic overlooks offer magnificent views of the Fox River Valley and of Grassy Lake. Kelsey Road divides the preserve's two separate northern sections, but a trail tunnel and an at-grade road crossing with a flashing beacon provide safe passage at both locations. Trail connections are also provided to adjacent neighborhoods. See location, map and more information HERE.

Heron Creek Forest Preserve

Where: Lake Zurich (22890 N. Old McHenry Road)

Length: 2.5 Miles

Here you'll find valuable natural resources and sensitive wetlands in a country-like setting.

The preserve features a rolling landscape of scenic woodlands and open fields. The Indian Creek basin, which flows through the site, is an Advanced Identification Wetland (ADID), the highest wetland classification in Lake County. It offers exceptional wildlife habitat and plant communities including a sedge meadow. See location, map and more information HERE.

Buffalo Creek Forest Preserve

Address: Long Grove (18163 West Checker Road)

Length: 5.5 miles

Set in the midst of bustling suburbs, this emerald island offers a quiet place to relax and recreate with nature. Its wide open spaces are safe, clean and easy to explore. 5.5 miles of crushed-gravel trails are open to hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers. The trails run through open areas within the preserve, crossing several creeks, skirting the reservoir and traversing restored prairie. See location, map and more information HERE.

Fox River Forest Preserve

Where: Port Barrington (28500 W Roberts Road)

Length: More than 3 miles

More than 3 miles of trails wind through woodlands, over two boardwalks, and along the banks of the Fox River. Trails here are open to hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers. Preserve trails also extend from the west to the Village of Port Barrington at Center Street to join the Village's pathway system. See location, map and more information HERE.

For all the SCOOP in Barrington, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Deer Park and Long Grove, follow the The Barrington Scoop HERE, and on Facebook and Instagram.