Places to Go-Forest Preserves-York Woods

Note: Starting March 29, 2021, a section of the trail at York Woods will be closed at the east end of the Harger Road parking lot as part of a project being done by the village of Oak Brook. The trail is expected to reopen in mid-May, weather permitting.

Trail users can use the asphalt trail at the west end of the parking to connect to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail while the east trail is closed.

For more information about the project, please visit oak-brook.org.

Oak Brook began work in June 2020 to improve the intersection of York and Harger roads and eliminate the need to use the Roosevelt Road interchange to access Harger Road from northbound York Road.

It will also make it easier and safer to access York Woods Forest Preserve via the Salt Creek Greenway Trail by creating a new trail underpass.

The preserve’s Harger Road parking lot will remain open throughout construction, but sections of the Salt Creek Greenway Trail may close periodically. When they do, detour signs will offer alternative routes.

Please be careful near the construction area (PDF), and follow all signs and workers’ instructions.

The 69.61-acre York Woods Forest Preserve in Oak Brook — the county's first forest preserve — features vast oak woodlands and great places to picnic.

Natural Scene

Oaks over 100 years old form canopies over the trail, where birders enjoy spotting northern orioles, cedar waxwings, warbling vireos, mallards, red-bellied woodpeckers and owls, among others.

Driving Directions

To reach the main entrance, go east on 22nd Street and turn north onto Spring Road. At Harger Road, turn right and follow the road to the south parking lot.

To reach the lot on the north side, follow Harger Road toward Roosevelt Road (Route 38). Or, take I-88 to York Road. Proceed north on York Road to the Roosevelt Road west exit. Take the York Road south ramp. Go right on Harger Road.

trail through the summer woods at York Woods

Trails

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!

Picnicking

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.)

Groups can reserve the 100-person CCC shelter as well. Details are on our Picnicking page.

History

The Forest Preserve District purchased York Woods in 1917, making it the oldest forest preserve in the county.

Hours & Things to Know

The preserve is open daily from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset. Dogs must be on leashes under 10 feet long, and alcohol is prohibited. Read our Rules & Regulations.