Cermak Woods

For the benefit of recreation and conservation, Lake and Cook County Forest Preserve Districts have protected long stretches of the Des Plaines River by developing a Des Plaines River greenway and bike path along its banks. The trail is a natural oasis within a short drive of Chicago and its northern suburbs. Having such a long, lush trail just outside of such a densely populated urban area is truly a wonderful asset to the surrounding community.

Cermak Woods, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is one of the inviting sites along the trail. This location features accessible picnic shelters, making it a great spot for gatherings and outdoor activities for all visitors.

Together, the forest preserve districts are in the process of implementing a plan to link all the forest preserves with a regional greenway trail, and have developed and promoted the recreational use of the river by creating canoe launch sites on the northern and middle section of the river.