DAY HIKES
Jean and John Greene Nature Preserve
Lake Forest, IL
Sept. 29, Oct. 1, 3, 2026
Sept. 29, Oct. 1, 3
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approx. 3 miles
Terrain
Most of the hike is flat along paved, wooden, or chipped paths. Because of very limited parking at Jean and John Greene nature preserve, we walk from the cemetery parking lot, about 1/3 of a mile to the entrance of the Nature perserve. We also have the opportunity to walk down a 90 step stair case to see the shores of Lake Michigan. You may wait at the top if you like.
Newly opened and restored, this 61 acre of land is a unique sanctuary of 3 ravines, a bluff, rare native plants and home to migratory birds. Located just north of Fort Sheridan, it also has access to Lake Michigan while walking under a dense canopy of trees. Because parking is extremely limited, we park at Fort Sheridan cemetery lot, and walk to Greene Nature preserve.
Washroom
Outhouse at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Sunglasses/sunscreen
Camera/phone
Rainwear as needed
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
Bug spray, just in case
Dress in layers for comfort
A hiking stick is helpful. I have loaners if desired
Emergency Medical Information form filled out (this is kept in your backpack, and only accessed in emergencies)
Sack lunch for an after-hike picnic
Lunch Optional
Bring a sack lunch. We will eat over at Fort Sheridan main lot. 12:00-12:30.
Times
We meet by 9:50 am and begin our hike at 10:00 am to noon. As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly and not wait for latecomers.
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, I will email you before 8am the morning of the hike.
You Will Learn
The about the bird migration through this area.
Driving Directions
Address: Fort Sheridan Cemetery Parking lot. 1005 Vattman Rd. Lake Forest, IL 60037
Parking lot is off Sheridan road, and located within the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve.
Click Google Maps button below for directions to parking lot.
Discussion Starter Question
This small area on Lake Michigan is an important refuge for birds as they are migrating past the city. Therefore, even small things can make a big difference in the hard journeys.
Guides
Christine, aka “MacGyver:Thur. and Sat.
Kari, aka “Lucky Duck”: Tuesday
Quote of the day
“How could this earth of ours, which is only a speck in the heavens, have so much variety of life, so many curious and exciting creatures?” -Walt Disney
** This hike may change to Ft. Sheridan if entry to Lake Michigan shoreline is still closed. Ft. Sheridan hike is ½ mile away.
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.