DAY HIKES
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Wauconda, IL
Sept. 8, 9, 10, 12 2026
Sept. 8, 9, 10, 12
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Mile
Approximately 3 miles
Terrain
We are on dirt paths and some paved trails. Mostly level paths.
Lakewood Forest Preserve is an old favorite of Trailbound. We are taking new trails near Taylor and Banana Lake, while also enjoying the ridge above the creek with mature trees. At almost 3,000 acres, Lakewood makes you feel like you are far from the suburbs.
Washroom
There are outhouses at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Hiking sticks are optional
Emergency Medical Information form filled out, kept in your bag
Clothing layers as needed
Sturdy shoes or hiking boots.
Bug spray just in case.
Optional lunch this week
We hope you stay afterwards for 30 minuts for a sack lunch or snack to continue the comraderie.
Times
We meet at 9:45 am to begin hiking at 10:00am
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 we do cancel a hike, you will receive an email before 8am on the day of your hike.
You Will Learn
About the American Badger
Driving Directions
Address: Lakewood Forest Preserve, Liberty St (Hwy 176) and N. Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda, IL
(entrance is ¼ mile west of Fairfield Rd, off Liberty St. (Hwy 176).
Apple maps takes you to a building a litte beyond our parking lot.
Discussion Starter Question
Badgers are puzzling creatures with many facets to their lifestyle. One of the more popular ones is that even though they are shy creatures, they are a force to be reckoned with when threatened.
What are things that cause you to be “force”?
Guides
Karen, aka “Cairn” : Tue and Saturday
Kari, aka, “Lucky Duck”: Wed. and Thur.
Quote of the day
“Few people know how to take a walk. The qualifications are enduarnce, plain clothes, old shoes, an eye for nature, good humor, vast curiosity, good speech, good silence and nothing too much”. Ralph Waldo Emerson
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.