NIGHT HIKE
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Wauconda, IL
Feb. 11, 2026
6:00 - 8:00pm
Feb. 11, 2025
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approx 1.6 to 2.5 miles depending upon weather.
Terrain
We are on crushed gravel trail that may or may not be snow-packed. There are some rolling hills along the hike.
Experience the night sky and the nocturnal sounds at Lakewood’s Forest Preserve. One of the few forest preserve’s open in the evening for a night hike, it is lit by solo panel posts to mark our path. This section of Lakewood Forest has beautiful rolling hills, mature oaks, and a few frozen ponds. Depending upon trail and weather, trail may range from 1.6 miles to 2.6 miles.
Washroom
Outhouse at parking lot
What to Bring
Water
Hiking sticks
Boot grips: YakTrax or even better Kahtoola Microspikes
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Layers to keep warm
Waterproof ankle high hiking boots or snow shoes
Optional: warming packets for hands or feet.
Optional Hot Chocolate after hike
Enjoy more comraderie and discussion in the parking lot with hot chocolate after the hike.
Times
We meet by 5:45 am to begin hiking at 6:00pm. Finish by 8:00pm
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If the temperature is below 0 degrees, or windchilll is below -20 degrees we will cancel. If it’s snowing too much to drive we will also cancel. Look for an email before 8am on the day of the hike for cancellations.
You Will Learn
About winter nocturnal animals
Driving Directions
Address: Lakewood Forest Preserve, Winter Sports Area
24069 W Ivanhoe Rd, Wauconda, IL 60084
Entrance is on the east side of Fairfield road, at the intersection of Ivanhoe and Fairfield.
We will meet in the Parking lot at 5:45pm
Lake County Forest Preserve:
847-367-6640
Discussion Starter Question
The Eastern Skreetch owl, has a wide variety of calls and songs for mating, warning, annoyance, and agitation. It’s small raptor with a big voice.
What is your “go to” sound when you are annoyed?
Guides
Karen, aka "Carin" OR
Kari, aka “Mucky Duck”
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within the same season:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous or not bearable. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike via email.