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Take advantage of the three-day weekend by exploring the area’s hiking and biking trails.

Both Lake and Will counties’ forest preserve districts have kicked off their fall walking challenges, encouraging people to track their mileage on designated trails through Nov. 30.

Will County has designated 10 trails for itsWoods Walk program(look for the "Woods Walk" signs), and theHike Lake Countychallenge has a dozen trail options for people to choose from, with distances mostly in the 2-mile range. Complete seven hikes in either program and receive the equivalent of a merit badge. Visit theLake County Forest PreserveandWill County Forest Preservewebsites for trail guides, maps and trail logs.

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District also has a handytrail guide, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County has built aninteractive web mapof its extensive network of trails.

Other resources include the comprehensiveTrail Link websiteandOpenlands’ “Get Outside Map.”

The Forest Preserve District of Will County has also organized a series of bike rides for September, aptly named “Pedal the Prairie.” The rides build in distance from 7 miles for the first ride on Saturday, to 22 miles on Sept. 19, culminating in a 28-mile ride on Sept. 26. Locations include the I&M Canal Trail and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

A guide will lead riders on the outgoing trip, and then the return is self-paced. All rides set out at 8 a.m. and while participation is free, registration is required.Click herefor more information.

Contact Patty Wetli:@pattywetli| (773) 509-5623 |[email protected]