Winter can be an amazing time to visit the Kane County forest preserves! You can enjoy various forms of recreation, from hikes to cross-country skiing to ice fishing. See the Forest Preserve District of Kane County's Use Ordinance and the District's Winter Activities brochure, for more information. We encourage you to be safe and to follow all rules and regulations. Be aware that all winter activities are at your own risk.
Sunrise to sunset
There must be a minimum of 4" of snow and the ground must be frozen for snowmobiling or sledding.
Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are allowed at all Kane County forest preserves, however, the activities are not permitted in areas closed due to restoration work. Please stay on trails.
Please note: The Forest Preserve District of Kane County does not groom trails.
All state and local regulations pertaining to the operation of snowmobiles apply. There must be a minimum of 4 inches of snow and the ground must be frozen for snowmobiling to be permitted.
Snowmobiling is allowed on trails marked specifically for this purpose at the following:
Snowmobiling is allowed for transit only at the following:
Snowmobiling hours for preserves and trails with the exception of the Great Western Trail, west of Wasco, are sunrise to sunset. Snowmobiling on the Great Western Trail (west of Wasco, only) is permitted from sunrise to 11 p.m.
The snowmobiling speed limit in all preserves and trails is 15 mph with the exception of the Great Western Trail, west of Wasco, which is 35 mph.
Riders must stay on trails as marked. Snowmobiling is not permitted in areas closed due to restoration work
Trails are patrolled by the Forest Preserve District Public Safety Department, the all-volunteer Kane County Mounted Rangers, and volunteer snowmobile patrols. For more information on volunteering with the District, call Volunteer Coordinator Robb Cleave at (630) 762-2741.
When there is a minimum of four inches of snow, sledding is permitted at the following forest preserves:
Weather permitting, Fabyan Forest Preserve is open until 9 p.m. for sledding on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Regular hours (sunrise to sunset) apply for all other preserves.
Ice fishing is only permitted in four areas: Hampshire South Forest Preserve in Hampshire, Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora, Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin, and Grunwald Farms Forest Preserve in Elburn.
Outdoor ice skating is permitted only at Oakhurst Forest Preserve in Aurora. Please follow posted signs. Indoor ice skating is available at the independently managed Fox Valley Ice Arena.
