Healthy Driven

Take a Hike! Challenge

This fall, Edward-Elmhurst Health invites you to join the 2022 Healthy Driven Take a Hike! Challenge. For eight weeks, you'll rediscover the healthy benefits of being active and spending time outdoors. It’s a great opportunity for all ages — from kids to seniors — to exercise in the fresh air and learn cool stuff about nature while bonding with family and friends.

We have partnered with local community sponsors to bring you hiking insights and expertise, special programming and ideas to Elevate Your Hike each week!

How does it work?

1) Fill out the online registration form.*
2) Get out and hike from Sept. 1 to Oct. 27!
3) Turn in the Take a Hike! Tracker with 6 completed hikes to get an award.

Registration is open!

*Registration is required to earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award*. Please register each participant in your group or family individually.

Note: Hikes can be completed anywhere. The featured trails, special events and Elevate Your Hike content are suggestions only to help you make the most of your hiking experience but are not required to qualify for the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award.

By registering for the Challenge, you will receive weekly emails on hike challenges and hiking tips.

First name

Last name

Email address

Zip code

Choose your Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award preference

How did you hear about the Challenge?

Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award

When you complete and track 6 hikes during the 8-week Challenge period, you’ll earn the Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award* (your choice of a walking stick with a commemorative medallion (1st year participants only), a commemorative medallion or a commemorative pin).

Complete this Take a Hike! Tracker and bring it to one of the below locations between Oct. 28 - Nov. 30 to pick up your award:

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County Visitor Services, 3S580 Naperville Rd., Wheaton
Naperville Park District's Knoch Knolls Nature Center, 320 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville
Elmhurst Park District Wagner Community Center, 615 N West Ave., Elmhurst
The Conservation Foundation, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville

The Take a Hike! Tracker can be printed or picked up at one of our sponsor locations listed above.

*Supplies are limited. Offer is valid while supplies last. Complete one Take a Hike! Tracker per person.

Take a Hike! Elevate Your Hike

Coming soon!

Take a Hike! Special Events

Coming soon!

Connect on Facebook with Take a Hike! hikers

Join our Take a Hike! Facebook group to connect with other Take a Hike! Challenge hikers in the area! Post about local trails, share your hiking tips and photos and learn more about how hiking can benefit your physical and mental health.

What are the health benefits of hiking?

Time in nature has been proven to decrease stress and anxiety, which is essential as we deal with the challenges of the pandemic. You will reap the health rewards of movement — including being stronger and happier, and reducing your risk of illness. Hiking is also relationship-building, as families can enjoy spending time together while getting healthier.

Note: Please consult with your doctor before beginning this challenge or any new exercise program.

Hiking trails

We've made it easy for you to find a trail near you or a new trail to explore.

Looking for more trails? Check out the Alltrails website or app.

Featured Trails

Coming soon!

Healthy Driven

Take a Hike! Challenge

How does it work?

Registration is open!

Take a Hike! Trail Blaze Award

Take a Hike! Elevate Your Hike

Take a Hike! Special Events

Connect on Facebook with Take a Hike! hikers

What are the health benefits of hiking?

Hiking trails

Featured Trails

Local community sponsors