Cross Country Ski Trails Open at Lake County Forest Preserves

Snowfall this week has left Lake County’s trails in perfect condition for cross- country skiers.

The Lake County Forest Preserve District (LCFPD) grooms trails at Lakewood Winter Sports Area in Wauconda, and at Old School Forest Preserve in Libertyville. Those trails are also equipped with solar lights to guide, not only cross-country skiers, but hikers and snowshoers as well. Solar-lighted trails and adjacent parking lots are open until 9 p.m., through March 9.

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

Cross country skiing is permitted on all Lake County Forest Preserve trails.

Some great trails for cross-country skiing and winter hiking in the Barrington-Lake Zurich area include:

• Lakewood Forest Preserve in Wauconda
• Cuba Marsh Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich
• Fox River Forest Preserve in Barrington

Check on current conditions of trails before heading out by calling the Winter Sports Hotline at 847-968-3235.