Ray Lake Forest Preserve Trail Closure
A new .36 trail segment at Ray Lake in Wauconda is nearing completion and is expected to open to the public by mid-summer 2025. The trail will initially take users through open prairie and wetland habitat and then transition into woodland and culminate at an overlook at tranquil views of Tamarack Lake. The rest of the preserve remains open. Watch for posted signs.
The trail addition was partially funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and will be accessed from the Fort Hill Regional Trail. Access is available nearby from the Lakewood Fort Hill Trail parking lot on Gilmer Road or from the Ray Lake parking lot on Erhart Road.