Scenic trail stretch added to Ray Lake Forest Preserve

A new trail section recently opened at Ray lake Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Use the Gilmer Road Fort Hill trail parking lot, head east about a third of mile through the underpass into the preserve. Or, from the Ray Lake parking lot, follow the Fort Hill Trail west 1.2 miles to reach the connection.

The 0.36-mile new segment winds through open prairie and wetlands then transitions to quiet woodlands and ends at a scenic overlook with benches and views of Tamarack Lake.