Busse Woods Reservoir Dam to Cricket Creek Forest Preserve

Trail Details

Skill Level: Expert

Trail Length: ≈ 9 miles

Our nature is worth protecting.

Put-in Parking Directions: Located on property managed by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, this trip begins below the dam that creates Busse Lake. Enter Ned Brown Forest Preserve from S. Arlington Heights Road. The entrance is on the west side of the road, just to the southwest of the intersection with Landmeier Road, and northeast of the intersection with Elk Grove Boulevard. Follow the entrance road to the fork and take the left fork. Park near the end of the road. This trip requires carrying your boat from the parking lot to the creek approximately 1000 feet west.

Put in: Busse Woods upstream of Arlington Heights Road bridge, in the east side of the creek.

Take out: Cricket Creek Forest Preserve before going under the Fullerton Bridge, on river-left.

Hazards:

  • You may encounter low pedestrian bridges within the golf course. If concerned about danger from golf balls, consider wearing protective gear such as a helmet.

Notes: This trip will take you through backyards, under bridges, and through the Oak Meadows Golf Course. Use caution and portage around any obstacle you do not think you can pass under. Watch for down trees blocking passage.

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