Lake County Forest Preserves' solar-lit trails now open

Anyone having a hard time getting outside now that the sun sets so early has a new option: taking an evening hike on solar-lit trails in the Lake County Forest Preserves.

With small solar lights to guide their way, hikers, skiers and snowshoers can get some brisk evening exercise along the 1.3-mile fitness trail at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville and along a 1.65-mile hilly section of the Millennium Trail, adjacent to the Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda.

Though regular preserve hours are 6:30 a.m. to sunset, the illuminated trails and adjacent parking lots will remain open after sunset until 9 p.m. daily through Sunday, March 8, 2020.

Bicycles and horses are not permitted on the lighted trails after sunset. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed.

To access the lighted trails, park at Lakewood's Winter Sports Area on the east side of Fairfield Road, just south of Route 176, or at Old School's main entrance lot on the east side of St. Mary's Road, just south of Route 176. Lake County Forest Preserve Rangers regularly patrol the areas.

View maps of the solar-lit trails, Old School Forest Preserve or Winter Sports Area at Lakewood Forest Preserve, at maps.lakecountyil.gov/trailmap.