West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve

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I recently visited West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve and was thoroughly impressed with the experience. The trails are fantastic, offering ample space for exploration and immersion in nature. Whether you're an avid hiker or just looking for a peaceful stroll, these trails provide the perfect backdrop.

During my visit, I did notice that some paths were a bit muddy, and there were occasional horse droppings along the way. However, these minor aspects did not detract from the overall beauty and enjoyment of the preserve. It's a reminder that you're truly in a natural and shared space.

The vastness of the area allows for a sense of solitude and connection with nature, which is a rare find. The forest preserve is well-maintained, and the variety of flora and fauna adds to the charm of the place.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, I highly recommend a visit to West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve. It's a perfect spot for a day out in nature, offering a great balance of well-kept trails and the wild beauty of the outdoors. Don't forget to wear appropriate footwear, and enjoy your time in this wonderful natural oasis!

I SO love THIS place!!!! Certainly a must go to for me. Seems like every time I go, I’m the only one here. The path is a little over a mile and it curves. It’s perfect getaway. There’s two path you can take. The shorter path is less than a mile if not half. Filled with trees. Beautiful sight to behold in all season. It’s lovely. Nuff said.

Small treasure to visit, if you enjoy bird watching or just a simple quiet walk with your loved ones or just your 🐕 🐶.please visit but remember to keep a low voice so the visitors and your self can hear the feather beings singing along your walk.

I hiked to the DuPage River this weekend. Beginner friendly trail. The trail had nice curves along the trail. Hiked the Red Oak trail 1.2 miles and half of the West branch 1.4 miles. It started getting dark so we headed back to eat our lunch. I was hoping to see some Coyotes from a far but didn’t see one here. It has rare Marsh/wetland. It was muddy in certain parts due to snow melting. Bring a bag if you change shoes to put them in. Some parts of the trail had snow/ice others were just wet dirt/gravel. I sank in a bit taking a pic by the river lol. If you do hike the west branch trail you have to walk 3 blocks through a neighborhood to connect back to the West branch trail. It is labeled so you will not get lost.

Please see pic of map for trail connection questions. This was only the West part.

Trail length: Red Oak trail 1.2 miles and West branch 1.4 miles.

Parking: Yes, Small though.

Dog friendly: Yes. Keep dogs leashed for safety. It is a Coyote habitat. Pic of sign advising this.

Seating along path: Only saw one or two along the trail.

Bathrooms: Yes, only saw one at the parking area. Did not see any porta potties anywhere else.

Has designated picnic area: Yes, at parking lot area.

Strict or relaxed: relaxed.

It’s Sara & Sarah on YouTube to see our hike

This is the deep woods to so you are always in the trees. The DuPage River runs through it. Lots of hills, so it's a good walking environment. The trails are not well marked, so if you are new to this preserve, download a map from the DuPage Forest Preserve District web site.

Nice and easy trails. It is a beautiful forest preserve located in West Chicago. Get out and have an adventure close to home. Great place to start. Trails are short and easy.

Not a long walk but a good one because of trail go up and down small hills. Plus area looks great too.

Very nice place. Love that their is sooo much shade. Very enjoyable hike. It is not even there is a lot of up and down small hills so keep that in mind. It didn't bother us too much with 2 small kids

One of my favorite DuPage Forest Preserves yet! A nice amount of trails and beautiful/relaxing views of the river!

I love this beautiful and peaceful place.

One of the best hikes around

Love all the loops, especially the White Pine. Come here often in all kindsa weather. Aces

Nothing like a winter to give you 62 temps and then have a place close that most don't know of and go for a walk and take pictures

Great place for a walk with the kids

Great walk from my home. Beautiful all year round!

Nice, easy trails with low traffic for a Saturday stroll in the snow! Not the place for the adventurous, but for those looking for light walking with little to no elevation deviations.

Great place! Longer trails and more elevation than many of the other forest preserves nearby. Highly reccomend. Pretty quiet on a snowy sunday.

Really nice place to relax and eat lunch or just take in nature. They put a new bridge in and it is nice as bridges go. Very clean

Beautiful all year round

Nicely kept preserve with decent amount of parking