Forest Glen Woods

Forest Glen Woods is part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County and offers accessible picnic shelters, making it a welcoming spot for gatherings and rest stops.

The North Branch Trail links together the many forest preserves and green spaces along the North Branch of the Chicago River from the northwest side of Chicago all the way to the Botanic Gardens in Glencoe. While it’s relatively flat, the trail is an excellent place for walking, hiking, biking, and trail running.

A 13-mile stretch of paved trails connects Caldwell Woods with Skokie Lagoons, with additional unpaved natural trails winding through the woodlands and natural areas along the way. A 4-mile paved trail loops around Skokie Lagoons, linking the North Branch Trail to the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The round-trip from Caldwell Woods to the Chicago Botanic Garden is a popular route for many long-distance cyclists.
Please note: there are several street crossings as you travel along the trail, but the North Branch Trail is a relatively seamless way to link together a trip with limited interruptions. You’ll also get a great tour of the forest preserves along the river and the natural setting surrounding it.