DAY HIKES

Lakewood Forest Preserve

Wauconda, IL

April 23-27, 2024

April 23-27


2-hours


$25.00

If this is your first hike of the season, please register first for the season and fill out this mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.

Difficulty rating

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Miles

Approx 3 miles.

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Terrain

The path varies from grass, crushed gravel to dirt. Relatively flat, with some gentle hills.

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A quite trail with hardwood mature forests, fragrant evergreen groves and abundant wildlife. Always listed as a favorite from past hikers.


Washroom

Outside at the parking lot.

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What to Bring

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  • Water

  • Sunglasses/sunscreen

  • Camera/phone

  • Rainwear as needed

  • Sturdy hiking shoes/boots

  • Dress in layers for comfort

  • A hiking stick is helpful. I have loaners if desired

  • Emergency Medical Information form filled out (this is kept in your backpack, and only accessed in emergencies)

  • Sack lunch for an after-hike picnic


Lunch Optional

Bring a sack lunch. Bring a folding chair/blanket as we share lunch. I'll bring extras if you forget. 12:00-1:00.

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Times

We meet by 9:50 am and begin our hike at 10:00 am to noon.  As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly and not wait for latecomers.

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Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity

We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.

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Weather

We meet by 9:50am and begin our hike at 10:00am.  As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will not wait for latecomers.

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You Will Learn

We will learn about the history of the area, the abundant uses of cattails (even how to eat them now), and the prized beaver from the early explorers.

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What to expect


This 3,000+ acre preserve brings us to enjoy sparkling lakes, open fields, and a trail through mature trees. Because of the large area and many trees, it is a very quiet preserve. We will see abundant wildlife including spring ephemerals.  It’s a special narrow window of time between the thawing ground and the leafing out of the tree canopy that we get to witness these beauties.

Your hiking boots may get muddy on this spring day.

During the hike, there will be a 15-minute section of the trail that is a silent walk, so that each person can more fully appreciate the sounds of nature.

Driving Directions


Address: Ivanhoe Road, just 1/4 mile west of Fairfied road. Small driveway, with sign that says Horseback riding and Fishing. Click on Google Maps below.

Discussion Starter Question


“Be an opener of doors.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

There are many layers that come alongside this phrase. I think of kindness, invitation, possibility, transition, hope, and more.

Tell us about someone who opened a door in your life.

Guides


Tue-Thur: Kari
Fri-Sat: Karen, aka "Carin"

Cancellations

If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within seven days:

  1. Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.

  2. 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:

  1. There needs to be a minimum of three people.  You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.

  2. The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm.  You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.