Are dogs allowed on McDonald Woods Trail Loop?

Yes, dogs are allowed on McDonald Woods Trail Loop but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike McDonald Woods Trail Loop?

No, McDonald Woods Trail Loop does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is McDonald Woods Trail Loop?

McDonald Woods Trail Loop is rated moderate. It is 3.2 miles long with 272 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Illinois trail conditions

ModerateLoop

Illinois

McDonald Woods Trail Loop

Lake Villa, Illinois

3.2 mi

Distance

272 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 8m

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

McDonald Woods is over 300 acres. A 3.8 mile gravel trail winds through the woods and wetlands. A 0.3-mile wood chip trail leads to a basswood and sugar maple forest. The evergreen woods provide roosting places for birds of prey. Pine siskins, which are seeds from cones, spend winters here. juncos hop on the snowy forest floor snatching seeds from trees The sounds of bobolinks and the song of the eastern meadowlark can be heard in the spring and summer.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:223 ft

Max:249 ft

83 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to share your experience and help others plan their visit.

Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.