The Forest Preserve District offers multiple recreational opportunities in winter, so there is no excuse to stay indoors. 

With 135 miles of trails, 40 improved preserves, two sled hills, six off-leash dog parks, campgrounds and indoor, outdoor and online programs, there is no excuse for being inactive this winter. 

So, get outside to soak in some vitamin D and absorb the beauty of nature to boost your physical and mental health.

Here are some Forest Preserve winter rec basics:

Hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on all trails. The trails are not plowed after a snowfall so winter activity enthusiasts can enjoy sliding on skis or stepping through the snowflakes. For more information, visit the Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing pages.

Sledding and ice skating

The 40-foot sled hill at Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve opens for the season each year on Dec. 1 and sledding is allowed when snow conditions are conducive. You can bring your own tube or rent one for $2 at Plum Creek Nature Center. Call the nature center at 708-946-2216 for snow condition updates. Call that number, too, to see if the ice is thick enough for ice skating on the preserve's Snapper Pond. The ice has to be at least 6 inches thick before ice skating will be allowed on the pond. Skaters have to bring their own gear.

Forked Creek Preserve – Butcher Lane Access in Wilmington features a natural 30-foot hill ideal for sledding in the winter. The area is not supervised or monitored for snow conditions, and visitors must bring their own sledding equipment to this site.

Dog parks

Your dog can enjoy winter with you by playing in the Forest Preserve District's six dog parks, which remain open year-round for off-leash canine play. Permits are required for dog park use. (Dogs must be leashed on all trails outside of the dog parks and dogs are not allowed on natural surface trails in Nature Preserves or at Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve in Plainfield.) 

Camping

Camping is allowed year-round, except for the campground at McKinley Woods – Frederick's Grove, which is closed Nov. 1 due to the steep incline of the entrance road leading to it. Permits are required for camping and they must be obtained no less than two business days prior to the reservation.

Horseback riding

Horseback riding also is allowed in the winter on the District's 30-plus miles of equestrian trails including portions of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail, Spring Creek Greenway Trail and Wauponsee Glacial Trail. 

Outdoor, indoor and online programs 

In addition to the recreational activities listed above, there are many guided outdoor hiking and wildlife viewing programs that will help get you outside and moving all year long. For the most up to date list of programs, visit the Event Calendar. Programs include bird hikes, campfires, solstice celebrations, kids' programs and a Winter Walkers series. You can also take part in a December Dash Virtual 5K by running your own 3.1-mile race on one of 11 designated trails.