Dam No. 4 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.

Dam No. 4 Woods, part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is one of the scenic sites along this corridor. The location features accessible picnic shelters, providing a welcoming space for gatherings and outdoor enjoyment 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.