Lighted Trails for the Season
Photo courtesy of Nat Carmichael
Hikers, skiers and snowshoers can take an evening excursion on
solar-lit trails in the forest preserves along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve, in Libertyville, and a 1.65-mile hilly section of
the Millennium Trail adjacent to the winter sports area at Lakewood Forest Preserve, in Wauconda. Park at the Lakewood
Winter Sports Area on the east side of Fairfield Road south of Route 176 or at
the Old School main entrance lot on the east side of St. Mary's Road south of
Route 176. Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves, says,
“Walking the trails after the sun goes down is a nice way to gain a different
perspective of the forest preserves.”
Regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, but the
illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 p.m.
daily through March 12, 2023. The solar lights serve as a guide along the
trails, but it is recommended to bring a flashlight or headlamp for additional
illumination. Bicycles and horses are not permitted on the solar-lit trails
after sunset. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed. Rangers regularly patrol
the areas.
See maps at Tinyurl.com/OldSchoolTrail and Tinyurl.com/LakewoodTrail.
