DAY HIKES
Lakewood Forest Preserve
Wauconda, IL
Jan. 28, 29, 30, Feb. 1, 2025
Jan. 28, 29, 30, Feb. 1, 2025
2-hours
$25.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approx 3.0 miles
Terrain
We are on dirt trails for the entire route. There are some rolling hills along the hike.
This beautiful preserve has become a favorite destination for Trailbound hikers, encompassing over 2,800 acres that effectively buffer us from the encroaching suburban sprawl. Beginning at a new trailhead, you can experience this winding trail as it meanders past the park’s frozen lakes, majestic hardwood forests and prairies, all while keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife that inhabits this serene landscape.
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 for lunch
Drive to Culvers: 203 E State Road, Island Lake. 847-526-8530
Times
We meet by 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 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 the Groundhog
Driving Directions
Address: Lakewood Forest Preserve, Horse Trailer parking
26530 W Brown Road, Wauconda, IL 60084
West Brown rd is just south of W. Ivanhoe Rd. Entrance is on the west side of Brown road, across the street from a storage facility.
Sign at the entrance says “Lakewood, Horse Trailer parking”
We will meet in the Parking lot at 9:45am
Lake County Forest Preserve:
847-367-6640
Discussion Starter Question
If the groundhog sees his shadow, then he climbs back into his hole, predicting bad weather for another 40 days.
Who do you typically call when you foresee that “bad weather” is approaching on the horizon?
Guides
Karen, aka "Carin" Tue & Saturdays
Kari, aka “Lucky Duck” Wed & Thur.
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.