Lake Co. Opens Solar-Lit Trails For Winter

LAKE COUNTY, IL — Two solar-lit trails will open for the winter season this weekend in Lake County.

The Lake County Forest Preserves will debut its winter solar-lit trails at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa and Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda on Sunday. The opening of the trails coincides with Daylight Savings Time, which is also set to happen this weekend.

The 1.3-mile fitness trail will be open to hikers, skiers and snowshoers during the evenings at Old School Forest Preserve in Mettawa as will the 1.65-mile section of the Millennium Trail adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

"Walking the trails after the sun goes down provides a unique experience in the forest preserves," said Angelo Kyle, president of the Lake County Forest Preserves. "Our data show that forest preserve visitors are using the trails more than ever for recreation and as a way to improve their well-being."

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

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 10. Bicycles and horses are not permitted on the solar-lit trails after sunset, and dogs are allowed but must be leashed, according to Lake County Forest Preserve officials

To access the lighted 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 Police Rangers regularly patrol the areas.

Also, those interested in joining an educator for guided evening hikes on solar-lit trails can learn about the site's history andthe animals that are active at dusk.