An asphalt footpath that takes hikers through the woods and along the northern edge of the preserve connects the south picnic area with the north picnic area.

A second 1-mile paved trail also connects the two areas and is open to hikers and cross-country skiers as well as to bicyclists or joggers.

If you’re in the mood for more than a mile, a 0.6-mile section of the greater 25-mile Salt Creek Greenway Trail cuts through the preserve. Head north about 17 miles and you’ll end at Ned Brown Preserve in Elk Grove Village; 8 or so miles south and you’ll be at the gates to Brookfield Zoo!

York Woods boasts the the oldest picnic grove in the county and has 3 acres of mowed grass, shade trees and a picnic shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. A small 25-person shelter is available first-come, first-served. Ground fires are not allowed, but you can bring grills. (The preserve has hot-coal containers for charcoal.) 

The 100-person CCC shelter is currently closed due to restoration and should reopen in January 2024. Details about reserving the 100-person CCC south shelter are on our Picnicking page.