Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Discover

Cook County

Discover

Cook County

Things to Do in Cook County

Cook County, a region in Illinois, offers a diverse and expansive landscape, making it an excellent destination for a wide array of outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its extensive Forest Preserves, encompassing nearly 70,000 acres of natural areas, including native forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands. Its terrain features gentle gradients and some glacial valleys, providing varied environments for several sports like hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and touring cycling. This rich natural composition supports a wide range of…

58

Routes

5

(31)

Average rating

708

People visited

Loading
Hiking in Cook CountySee all
placeholder

18

hikers

Leveaux Mountain Loop Trail

4.97km

01:26

120m

130m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Easy
placeholder

5.0

(1)

5

hikers

3.38km

00:55

40m

70m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

4

hikers

9.46km

02:48

280m

280m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

4

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
Sign up for free to see 39 more hikes Cook County.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
placeholder

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 2 more runs Cook County.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
placeholder

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Moderate
placeholder

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard
placeholder

Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 2 more rides Cook County.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

placeholder

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
placeholder

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
placeholder

5

riders

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
Sign up for free to see 3 more rides Cook County.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Top attractions in the region

Brule Lake

Lake

Explore the region

Hiking in Cook County

Most popular attractions in Cook County

Places to see

Collections

Border Route Trail — A remote Northwoods backpacking challenge

Hiking Collection by

Sue

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Grand Marais

Things to Do in Gaylord Nelson Wilderness

Frequently asked questions

What outdoor activities are available in Cook County?

Cook County offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including Hiking, Jogging, Mountain biking, and Touring cycling. The region's Forest Preserves encompass nearly 70,000 acres of natural areas. On komoot, there are 80 routes available for these sports, with an average rating of 4.93 stars.

How many miles of trails are in Cook County?

The Forest Preserves of Cook County feature over 350 miles (560 km) of trails suitable for walking, running, and biking. These trails traverse native forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands. The extensive network provides varied environments for outdoor exploration.

Are there hiking guides available for Cook County?

Yes, komoot offers several guides for hiking in Cook County. These include general information in Hiking in Cook County, and specific guides like Easy hikes in Cook County. There is also a guide for Waterfall hikes in Cook County.

What kind of terrain can be found on trails in Cook County?

Cook County trails feature a variety of terrain, including native forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands. The landscape generally has gentle gradients, with some areas showcasing glacial valleys and moraines. This diversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna.

Are there mountain biking trails in Cook County?

Yes, Cook County provides opportunities for mountain biking, with dedicated trails in various preserves. Users can find more information and specific routes in the MTB Trails in Cook County guide. Popular spots include areas like Dan Ryan Woods.

Can I go touring cycling in Cook County?

Touring cyclists can explore expansive forest preserves and scenic river trails in Cook County. The region features a network of paved and unpaved paths connecting different preserves. The Cycling in Cook County guide offers routes for various skill levels.

What are the most popular activities in Cook County on komoot?

Hiking is the most popular activity in Cook County on komoot, with 60 routes available. Other activities include Touring cycling with 6 routes and Mountain biking with 7 routes. The region has seen more than 3,000 visitors share their experiences.

What natural features can be observed in Cook County?

Cook County's natural features include native forests, woodlands, savannas, prairies, and wetlands. Significant waterways like the Des Plaines River and Chicago River flow through the preserves. Notable prairies, such as Busse Forest Nature Preserve, are recognized as National Natural Landmarks.

Do I need a permit to hike in Cook County Forest Preserves?

The Forest Preserves of Cook County generally do not require permits for individual hiking on marked trails. However, specific activities or large group events may have different regulations. Visitors should consult the official Forest Preserves website for detailed rules.

How can I find easy hikes in Cook County?

Komoot offers a dedicated guide for finding accessible routes. The Easy hikes in Cook County guide provides detailed information on less challenging trails. Many trails within the Forest Preserves are designed to be accessible for various fitness levels.

What is the official website for Cook County's outdoor areas?

The official website for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, which manages most outdoor areas, is fpdcc.com. For general Cook County information, the official website is cookcountyil.gov. These sites provide details on facilities, rules, and events.

What is the average rating for routes in Cook County on komoot?

Routes in Cook County on komoot have an average rating of 4.93 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on 121 individual ratings from more than 3,000 visitors. The high average indicates a positive user experience across the available routes.

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating
Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy