Solar-Lit Trails Open In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Forest Preserves will again light up its trails this winter as evenings will start to get darker sooner in the coming weeks.

Starting on Sunday, November 3, those stopping out to some trails in Lake County can enjoy nature after dark, according to a news release. With small solar lights to guide the way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa and along a hilly 1.65-mile section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

"Experiencing these trails after sunset gives visitors a whole new way to connect with nature," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "We've seen a rise in trail use, with more people turning to nature to support their physical and mental well-being."

The solar lights serve as a guide along the trails. Visitors are encouraged to bring a flashlight or headlamp for added illumination, according to the news release.

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open until 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 9. Bicycles and horses are not permitted on the solar-lit trails after sunset. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.

To access the solar-lit trails, park at Lakewood's Winter Sports Area located on the east side of Fairfield Road just south of Route 176, or at Old School's main entrance lot located on the east side of St. Mary's Road south of Route 176. Lake County Forest Preserves ranger police regularly patrol the areas.

More information is available on the Lake County Forest Preserve's website.