Take a Hike! Challenge
Week 1
Welcome to The Conservation Foundation and Endeavor Health 2026 Take a Hike! Challenge! We’re excited to kick off eight fun weeks of getting outside and connecting with nature.
Whether you’re taking a stroll or hiking at a brisk pace, stepping outside for a walk or hike can be the perfect pick-me-up! There are numerous medically documented health benefits of getting out in nature including reducing stress and anxiety, enhancing your immune system, getting better sleep, and boosting your mood.
Every hiker is different and should embrace their own hiking style. Some people aim to complete a trail as quickly as possible, while others prefer to savor the journey, stopping to snap photos and enjoy the scenery. From easy strolls on flat paths to more challenging routes, there’s a hike to match every preference. The most important part is that you are spending time outdoors breathing in the fresh air!
As you kick off the first week of the Take a Hike! Challenge, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Check with Your Doctor: Ensure you’re healthy enough for hiking.
- Weather Check: Look at the local forecast to choose the best day and time. Dress for the conditions with lightweight, moisture-wicking clothes and comfortable footwear.
- Choose the Right Trail: Pick a trail that matches your fitness level and those of your hiking companions. Familiarize yourself with the trail map beforehand.
- Pack Smart: Bring a small backpack with essentials like a first aid kit, map, phone battery pack, ample water, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and nutritious snacks.
- Inform Others: If you’re hiking alone, let someone know your destination and expected return time.
- Capture the Experience: Consider bringing a camera, journal, or sketchbook to document your adventure.
- Trail Etiquette: Stay to the right, especially in groups, keep dogs on leashes, and always pack out what you bring in. Use designated garbage and recycling containers.
- Tick Awareness: It’s that time of year again when the ticks can be quite active in our area. Check out DuPage County Forest Preserve District’s short video on How To Avoid Ticks On Your Hike.
Ready to get outside?
For eight weeks this fall, join The Conservation Foundation and Endeavor Health Take a Hike! Challenge. From September 1st to October 27, take part in weekly hikes to rediscover the healthy benefits of being active in nature. Complete and track 6 hikes during the challenge period to earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.
1. Sign up by September 30th
2. Get out and hike from September 1st to October 27th
3. Turn in the Take a Hike! Tracker with 6 completed hikes to get an award
Elevate Your Hike Special Events
To help you meet your goals, we have a variety of fun special events planned throughout the challenge. Registration for each event will open about two weeks ahead of time, so make sure to keep checking back!
Tuesday, September 1st
Caminemos Juntos (Let’s Walk Together) with Healthy West Chicago
5:30 — 7:00pm
Join our bi-lingual exploratory walk along the Timber Ridge Trail. We will traverse south on the trail’s crushed limestone path at a leisurely pace, taking our time to explore the area. Presentation and healthy snacks provided thanks to the DuPage Foundation.
Saturday, September 12th
Hike to Where the Rivers Meet
10:00 — 11:30am
Join us for a peaceful 2-mile hike to the scenic confluence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River. We’ll travel along a mix of grassy and paved trails that are mostly flat.
Save the date for these future events!
Friday, September 25th
Take a Hike! with a Doctor: A Guided Nature Rx Walk
Saturday, October 3rd
Birding Walk with the DuPage Birding Club
Saturday, October 10th
Mammoth Discovery Walk with the Forest Preserve of DuPage County
Sunday, October 11th
Family Storybook Walk with Elmhurst Park District
Sunday, October 17th
ID That Tree! with the Forest Preserve of DuPage County
Sunday, October 25th
Forest Therapy Walk with The Conservation Foundation
- 09/02/2026 | Wednesday Wilderness Walk | Lincoln Marsh Forest Preserve | 8:00 – 10:00am | $5
- 09/02/2026 | Evening Hike Club | Danada Forest Preserve | 6:00 – 7:30pm | $5
- 09/09/2026 | Wednesday Wilderness Walk | Lincoln Marsh Forest Preserve | 8:00 – 10:00am | $5
- 09/09/2026 | Evening Hike Club | St. James Farm Forest Preserve | 6:00 – 7:30pm | $5
- 09/11/2026 | Bird Walk | Salt Creek Marsh Forest Preserve | 7:30 – 9:30am | $5
- 09/16/2026 | Wednesday Wilderness Walk | Lincoln Marsh Forest Preserve | 8:00 – 10:00am | $5
- 09/16/2026 | Evening Hike Club | McDowell Grove Forest Preserve | 6:00 – 7:30pm | $5
- 09/17/2026 | Adult Field Trip: Eco Explorers| The Morton Arboretum | 6:00 – 7:30pm | $19-26
- 09/18/2026 | Bird Walk | Salt Creek Marsh Forest Preserve | 7:30 – 9:30am | $5
- 09/19/2026 | Fit 4 Fall 5K with Healthy West Chicago| Reed Keppler Park, West Chicago| 8:00am | $ Varies
- 09/19/2026 | Family Hike with a Naturalist | Knoch Knolls Park, Naperville | 10:00am | $ Varies
- 09/20/2026 | Birding Walk with Lombard Park District | 8:00 – 10:00am | Westmore Woods, Lombard | 6:00 – 7:30pm | $5-10
Discover A New Hiking Trail
Looking to try new trails this Challenge? Check out the map of hiking trails in the greater Chicagoland area!
Don’t forget to connect with your fellow Take a Hike! Challengers on our private Facebook group! Share photos, swap hiking tips, and learn about new trails in the area.
Please reach out to our DuPage County Program Director Amy Phillips at aphillips@theconservationfoundation.org with questions!
This Program is Provided By:
2026 Take a Hike! Challenge
Sign up for notifications to stay informed about next year’s challenge dates!
2025 Take a Hike! Challenge Survey
Attention Trail Blaze Award Winners
If you earned the hiking stick and commemorative medallion, congrats! Each year, you can collect a new medallion and add it to your stick. Need help securing the medallion to your hiking stick?
