Bundle up and sign up for the Forest Preserve District’s second annual Winter Walkers series of cold-weather hikes.

The free, all ages hikes will be held on every weekend in January and February. Registration is required two days in advance for each hike. Registration details can be found on the Event Calendar listings for each hike.

These eight naturalist-led hikes will traverse a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions. Based on last year’s turnout, cold temps will not deter people from showing up. 

Jessica McQuown, a Forest Preserve program coordinator, said even though it was a sunny day, temperatures were only in the teens for the hike she led last year. 

“I was blown away at how many people joined me for our walk at Lake Renwick,” she said. “The sun was shining, and all the layers were on. We still saw lots of wildlife, including a tiny mouse who ran between our feet, right down the line of people so almost everyone got to see her! Waterproof boots, warm layers, hats and gloves, and hand/foot-warmers were all we needed to enjoy ourselves on the trail in the cold.”

Sara Russell, an interpretive naturalist at Isle a la Cache Museum, will lead the Winter Walkers hike at O’Hara Woods this year.

“Walking in winter gives you a chance to experience the preserves in a new way,” she said. “At O’Hara, you feel extra cocooned by the trees and, if you are lucky enough to get it, the snow.”

Last year the group she led saw raptors soaring overhead and deer peeking through the trees. 

“Participants also enjoyed the textures of the tree bark and the crisp air,” Russell added. “I can’t wait to see what awaits us this year with a morning hike. Sometimes people are worried about winter weather. Just make sure to prepare: bundle up, wear shoes with good grip, bring a walking stick if that helps. Then you can really enjoy all our seasons!”

Suzy Lyttle, a program coordinator at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, will be leading a Winter Walkers hike for the first time in 2025. 

“I am excited to join the series this year,” she said. “Winter Walkers motives and inspires us to get out of the house during the winter. What I love about living in a place with seasons is to see how our favorite preserves change from month to month and in all weather. Personally, I love hiking in the winter because everything can be so sleepy and quiet. You know what they say, there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing. So, make sure to wear layers and thick socks to enjoy the hikes to the fullest!”

Registration is required at least two days in advance for each 90-minute Winter Walkers hike. All hikes will be from 9:30-11 a.m. with the exception of the Sunday, Feb. 16, hike at Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, which is from 1-2:30 p.m. 

Hikes will range from 1 to 3 miles on paved, crushed limestone or natural surface trails and will take place: 

• Saturday, Jan. 4: Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve, Crete Township. 
• Sunday, Jan. 12: Hadley Valley — Gougar Road Access, Joliet.
• Saturday, Jan. 18: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site, Joliet. 
• Saturday, Jan. 25: O'Hara Woods Preserve, Romeoville. 
• Sunday, Feb. 2: Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield.
• Sunday, Feb. 9: Messenger Woods Nature Preserve, Homer Glen.
• Sunday, Feb. 16: Thorn Creek Woods Nature Preserve, Park Forest.
• Saturday, Feb. 22: Hickory Creek Preserve – LaPorte Road Access, Mokena.