Short loop with a riverbank trail and tree shade. Good for a quick walk. Can get muddy during rainy…read moredays. Easy to park.

Take this entire review with a gigantic grain of salt, because I only came here once, it was cold…read moreand we didn't walk very far, and we missed out on the water element entirely. As seems to be the case these days, we* had hours to kill before our return flights to LAX and SFO (by way of LAS), respectively, so we drove around Chicago almost aimlessly. (You should know me by now; even when it seems like I'm meandering randomly, there's a pattern to my patternlessness.) I knew my mom would want to see Lake Shore Drive, so we took it from its humble southern beginnings, which I had never done before. We got to the end way quicker than I thought we would, and none of us were hungry yet, so I headed west and then north and then west and then northwest or west, and soon, we were in Lincolnwood, Illinois. I did not want to remain in Lincolnwood, Illinois, so I looked for something big and green on my map, and after a couple of missed turns, we drove right into LaBagh Woods. There was an immediate fork in the road, and seeing people walking and jogging to my right and nothing special to my left, I turned right. That would, ultimately, be a bad move. To the left was a small pond. Beyond that lay the Chicago River's North Branch. But all of it was obscured by trees, so I went right, and there were trees, winter-dead grass, plenty of parking spots, and a path. The cold (about forty-two, according to the rental car's external thermometer) was too much for my dad, who wasn't really dressed for the cold and who doesn't enjoy being outside in the cold anyway, so after we got to the end of the path, we doubled back and drove away. If I had known about what turning left could do, I would have at least driven back that way for the water element. I'm sure it's beautiful and four-star-worthy in the summertime. What bothered me, though, was the absolute lack of benches in any and all directions. Yes, there are covered picnic areas with tables and benches, but all parks--especially parks this large--should have benches interspersed throughout so that people can sit down and take a load off. I might come back, but how often am I this far northwest in Chicago? OK, OK, I've been near here two out my last two visits, but really, I don't normally venture up this far. *My dad, mom, and I.

I've seen so many deer in these woods. The last time I walked here, I passed by five of them. I…read moreusually see at least one. And once I even spotted a doe with her two fawns out grazing. (Please don't feed the deer, as the signs say, because you could inadvertently give them something that harms their system.) The bicyclists can be a real hazard here, so keep your eyes peeled for them, too, if you're walking or running. There's really only one trail at this forest preserve, with the exception of a few short paths off to the side here and there that lead nowhere. But it's got charming views of forest, river and a patch of prairie at the edge of the preserve near Waukegan. There's ample parking and a shelter with picnic tables by the parking lot. The deer will sometimes graze right alongside the parking lot - they're pretty habituated - so if you're lucky, you may spot one before you even make it into the woods.

Walk here on a weekly basis in the spring, summer & fall months. Miami Woods is a lovely slice of…read morenature. The trees illustrate beauty and quiet. I enjoy my walks.

Easy parking in front of the museum. Light trail but doesn't go in a loop or you can but have to…read morecross the street and then walk on some unpaved brush. Or one can just back track.

This popular spot is usually a little busy for my tastes, but catch it at a quiet time and you can…read moreenjoy a placid hike down easy paths. There's a broad, charming bridge where kids (or adults) can throw sticks into the water on one side and watch them float to the other side. There are multiple dirt trails into the woods off the paved path that's frequently teeming with bicyclists. And there's a gravel path where people often walk dogs. Note that there are multiple entrances to Harms Woods. I like the northern one, but so do a lot of other people, apparently.

06/20/24 - Gorgeous morning 70 degrees @ 7:30am. I had to get out before the heat. I saw an old…read morefriend Dan from my neighborhood walking his dog Lucy a beautiful Gold golden retriever & met Colleen walking her dog Aurora a Pyrenees an absolute marshmallow. I also witnessed the little sparrows feasting on the 17 yr cicadas. They have to gorge while they can when there is a huge abundance of the little critters. The cycle is ending soon and I haven't seen any in Forest Glen even though I'm literally surrounded on 3 sides by woods.

Met at 730am for a bird walk. Living in the Western Burbs we hardly ever go birding in the city…read more What a nice surprise. Trails are dirt so wear appropriate shoes. Trail we took was along the river. Even tho it was cold the scenery was beautiful. Port a potty available. plenty of parking . Definitely will go back.

The Hernandez Picnic Grove is part of the Forest Preserve of Cook County system. This place is…read morepacked during the summer with people having their cookouts and parties. It's a large area with trails for walking and biking and Gompers Park is here too where there's a playground. (The two don't have a fence or anything separating from one another.) There's a large parking lot that can get quickly filled up, so Foster is a one-lane street oftentimes during the summer since folks park along Foster. The North Branch Trail System, which is 20 miles long, starts here and continues to Glencoe, where it ends at the Botanic Garden. I haven't biked much of the trail; only about two and a half miles from the trailhead here at Hernandez to Lechowitz Woods for a five mile round trip, but it was nice seeing part of the city from a different viewpoint. I'd love to ride along other parts of the trail and maybe someday make it the full twenty miles! Once upon a time after World War II, they had some pre-fab homes erected on this site for all the returning veterans to have their families. This caused some NIMBY issues around the neighborhood and the houses were in pretty poor condition since they weren't expected to be permanent, but they were gone within about a decade. I found that pretty interesting when I learned that tidbit.

Great place to park for a hike across the river. Hike across the park and you can access an old…read moretrain track then head into woods by river

Wonderful forest for everyday walk. Very clean and refreshing forest. Very nice natural trails and…read morelot of birds singing. Hope all humans whoever passing through forest helps to keep clean the forest.

What a gorgeous option for outdoor space, walking trails, and picnicking!…read more After a large lunch nearby, we decided to stop by the Catherine Chevalier Woods for a quick walk since it appeared to have walking trails. With a bit of hesitancy since there was not a lot of information online, we stopped by and were immensely pleased. First of all, there was a plethora of parking spaces, making this a very accessible location! Second, we were immediately inundated with wild life, from lounging and munching white-tail deer to chipping chipmunks to singing birds, we no longer felt like we were in the midst of the city! Third, there were many spaces for picnicking and gatherings of people! What a great place to come for an outdoor gathering! Finally, we discovered miles of maintained and gorgeous walking trails. People were sparsely populated on the trails providing a beautiful and remote hiking experience! If you are in the area and are in the need of a good walk in remote outdoor space, head over to Catherine Chevalier's Woods!

Linne Woods was a well needed breath of fresh air for me the morning I conducted my run at this…read morepark. I am no stranger to it because it sits near an agency that I work for, so I am off-and-on in the area. And not that long ago one of my direct care clients celebrated his birthday at this park which gave me the chance to feel the vibe of it. My solo visit to Linne Woods came after having no interest in running the ever so congested Chicago Lakefront Trail. At the time, it was marathon training season with many runners out training for their fall and even winter marathons. And not to mention other individuals out on the trail whether it be biking, walking, skating, or even at the beaches which I just did not have the tolerance for at the time. In comparison to Chicago Lakefront Trail, Linne Woods appeared very peaceful which was exactly the vibe I had yearned for. It appears to be the ideal place to conduct large gatherings, or even picnics; and its large field is perfect for a number of recreational activities you can partake in. The area is a well-maintained space, consisting of picnic tables with shelter and benches within, and there are even restrooms within if it becomes your pit stop while on the trail or during whichever activity you are engaging in. And not to mention, there are waste and recycling bins throughout this area. Linne Woods is also accessible to the ever so lovely and maintained paved and unpaved North Branch Trail where it is easy to feel that sense of being engulfed in with nature and the beauty of it! I could not help but enjoy the beautiful sounds of birds chirping, the chipmunks or squirrels running either across my run route, or through the litter of dry leaves. It also kept me in the moment whether it be startled because of the noise, or the visual of those cute critters which put a smile on my face. Along with sounds of wildlife, I cannot ever forget the close encounter I had with deer as I embarked on my run route on this Chicagoland trail which took me up to Skokie Lagoons. Overall, I had a very pleasant experience at Linne Woods, as indicated in this review and would definitely return. It has become my preferred spot where I can enjoy my long runs in peace, as well as nature. ~Gonna run 'til I don't jiggle. ~ Thomas G

A wonderful site for outdoor strolling and enjoying nature. Had some very close and counters with…read moredeer which was truly amazing. My girlfriend loves animals and she couldn't have been happier that day. There are many trails to choose from or you can just walk on the road as well. You can even make your own path through the woods if you are adventurous! There are also picnic tables trash cans and bathrooms if you just want to enjoy a picnic.

Beautiful walking trail. The trail is clean, well-paved and safe. Lots of people on it but not too…read morecrowded. Only one downfall for someone recouping from surgery, no places to seat for a break.

Easily my favorite trail. Growing up this used to be train tracks but since 2008 it's a trail…read more Convient to use however a woman was sexual assaulted recently so be careful. Awesome place for the neighborhood