The best walks and hikes around Golf
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Hiking around Golf is characterized by a flat landscape featuring woodlands, nature preserves, and lagoons. The region's trails primarily follow paved and unpaved paths through areas like Harms Woods and the Skokie Lagoons. With minimal elevation change, the routes offer accessible walks through local green spaces and along waterways. The terrain consists mostly of flatwoods, nature preserves, and areas alongside lagoons.
Best hiking trails around Golf
- The most popular hiking route is North Branch Red Paved Trail, a 2.3β¦
Last updated: May 3, 2026
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hikers
20.5km
05:10
30m
30m
Hike the 12.8-mile North Branch Trail: Skokie Lagoons Loop, a difficult route with 83 feet of elevation gain, exploring scenic lagoons and w
3.71km
00:56
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.3-mile North Branch Red Paved Trail through Cook County's forest preserves, following the Chicago River and spotting wildlif
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1.36km
00:21
10m
0m
This easy 0.8-mile (1.4 km) hiking loop, the North Branch Tan and Purple Loop, offers a quick escape through woods and along the Chicago Riv
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9
hikers
4.04km
01:02
10m
10m
Hike the easy 2.5-mile North Branch Orange Trail in Harms Woods, enjoying quiet forests, meadows, and wildlife sightings.
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hikers
9.22km
02:19
10m
10m
Hike the 5.7-mile North Branch Yellow Unpaved Trail through Cook County's forest preserves, enjoying nature and views of Skokie Lagoon.
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Tips from the Community
The west side of the preserve has a network of packed dirt walking paths, which cross over minor tributaries of the North Branch. You can walk right down to the bank of the river. This side of the park is a little quieter than the east preserve.
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This forested area sits just south of the Skokie Lagoons, with the North Branch Paved Yellow Trail running alongside the Skokie River. Itβs a great place to ride with a fresh breeze and plenty of shade. You can follow the path all the way to Watersmeet Woods.
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The southern portion of Skokie Lagoons is where the North Branch Paved Red Trail runs through a shaded area alongside the Skokie River West Ditchβa refreshing and less busy stretch to ride near the lagoons.
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The trails surrounding Skokie Lagoon are smoothly paved and include gentle hills. Truly a lovely path two steps away from the Chicago Botanic Gardens!
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The trails surrounding Skokie Lagoon are smoothly paved and include gentle hills. Truly a lovely path two steps away from the Chicago Botanic Gardens!
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If you are biking along the North Branch Red Paved Trail or the dirt horse trail that follows the Skokie River, you'll pass through a bunch of different parks and preserves. The Watersmeet Woods is one of those natural preserves that the trails pass through.
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The views of the lagoon are lovely, giving a chance to enjoy a peaceful moment away from traffic and noise of the city. There are picnic benches here if you would like to take a break.
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Nestled within the north and central sections of Skokie Lagoons, this lagoon is encircled by trails from the North Branch Trail System, providing cyclists with a tranquil and picturesque route. Enjoy a peaceful ride amidst the scenic trails that wind around the lagoon, offering a serene cycling experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any family-friendly hikes in the Golf area?
Yes, the region is well-suited for families. Most trails are flat and accessible. A great option is the Harms Woods West loop, which is a relatively short and easy walk through the Harms Woods Nature Preserve.
What are the trail surfaces like around Golf?
The trails feature a mix of surfaces. You'll find both paved paths, like the North Branch Red Paved Trail, and unpaved dirt or gravel paths, such as the North Branch Yellow Unpaved Trail within the Skokie Lagoons area.
Can I find any circular or loop hikes?
Absolutely. There are several loop trails that allow you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. For a scenic walk around the water, consider the South Skokie Lagoons loop.
How difficult are the hikes in this region?
The vast majority of hikes around Golf are rated as easy. The landscape is predominantly flat with minimal elevation change, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Out of more than 40 routes, 35 are classified as easy and 7 as moderate.
What kind of scenery can I expect on these trails?
The hikes are characterized by peaceful natural scenery. You'll walk through woodlands, nature preserves like Harms Woods, and along the picturesque Skokie Lagoons. It's a great way to experience local green spaces and waterways.
Are there any longer hikes for a more extended walk?
Yes, if you're looking for a longer outing, you can connect several local woods. The hike from Watersmeet Woods to the Skokie Lagoons is over 5.5 miles (9 km) and offers a more substantial journey through the area.
What do other hikers think of the trails around Golf?
The routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths through the quiet woodlands and the scenic views around the lagoons.
How many hiking trails are available around Golf?
There are over 40 hiking routes to explore in the Golf area. These trails offer a variety of experiences, from short loops within a single park to longer paths connecting multiple nature preserves.
Are there options for walking through different types of woods?
Yes, the trail network connects several distinct wooded areas. For example, the Harms Woods & Blue Star Memorial Woods trail takes you through two different preserves on a single walk.
What is a good introductory hike for someone new to the area?
A great place to start is the Bunker North Flatwoods to Miami Woods trail. It follows a paved path, is easy to navigate, and provides a good overview of the flatwoods landscape typical of the region.
Is it possible to hike here without a car?
Many of the trailheads are located in suburban areas that may be accessible via public transportation, such as Pace buses or the Metra train system which serve communities like Morton Grove and Skokie. It is best to check local transit schedules to plan your trip to a specific trailhead.
Where can I park to access the trails?
Most of the nature preserves and woods, such as Harms Woods, Miami Woods, and the Skokie Lagoons, have dedicated parking lots near the main trailheads. These are generally well-marked and provide direct access to the trail systems.
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