Any time of year is a wonderful time to enjoy woodlands (think forests with less trees) in the forest preserves. Of course, one of the best times of year in a woodland is autumn. Cool weather, migrating birds, and vibrant fall leaves – autumn is a wonderful time to get out and take in the forest preserves. The more time you spend in Cook County’s forest preserves, the more you’ll understand why we do what we do. Here are our top selections for admiring autumn leaves:
Harms Woods near Glenview (north)
Starting Point: Park in the Glenview Woods lot, located on Harms Road north of Old Orchard Road and South of Glenview Road. Take the gravel trail south to access the bridge and cross to the west side of the river.
Spears Woods near Hickory Hills (southwest)
Starting Point: The parking lot is located on Route 45/LaGrange road just south of 87th Street.
Swallow Cliff Woods near Palos Park (southwest)
Starting Point: The parking lot and trailhead are off U.S. 45 near 119th Street.
Deer Grove West near Palatine (northwest)
Starting Point: The main entrance to Deer Grove West is on the west side of Quentin Road between Dundee and Lake-Cook Roads in Palatine. To find the restoration area, turn right at the first stop sign and continue straight through the second stop sign. Continue past parking along the left side of the road to the first available parking along the right side of the road. The trail is marked with a large sign.
Busse Forest near Elk Grove (northwest)
Starting Point: Park in picnic grove #4, located on the north side of Higgins Road between Arlington Heights Road and the Salt Creek Bridge. You’ll find the entrance to the gravel trail behind the picnic shelter. The trail leads through the forest to the road that connects picnic groves nos. 1-3. You can walk south along this road to connect with the paved trail and loop back to picnic grove no. 4.