Cook County bike riders, hikers and explorers now can now feel free to enjoy a full 22 miles of nature and wildlife with the newly-completed southern extension of the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s North Branch Trail. The new trail segment extends the existing North Branch Trail three miles south, from Devon Avenue and Caldwell Avenue to Foster Avenue and Kostner Avenue, in Chicago. On Saturday, August 12, officials invite the community to celebrate the completion of the $7.7 million extension and the full North Branch Trail, which meanders north as far as the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe. Forest Preserves of Cook County General Superintendent Arnold Randall, federal and local officials and Forest Preserves volunteers will participate in a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting ceremony at the Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Grove at 4498 W. Foster Avenue, Chicago. They will also kick-off a unique, social-media-driven challenge. Postcards from the North Branch Trail is a two-month photo-sharing event encouraging new and existing visitors to share their experiences on the extended trail, which winds through ten communities. Visitors can take photos in life-sized postcards located at six key trail locations, and then post their photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. The life-sized Postcards for capturing trail experiences can be found at these locations. Find them on the Forest Preserves’ Interactive Map:
- Irene C. Hernandez Family Picnic Area, Chicago
- LaBagh Woods, Chicago
- Bunker Hill, Chicago
- Harms Woods, Skokie/Glenview
- Skokie Lagoons, Winnetka
- Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe
For more information on the North Branch Trail, including bike rental opportunities, or to download a trail map, visit www.fpdcc.com.
