The preserve is named after Catherine Chevalier, a pioneer who settled in the area in the 1830s.
The woods contain high-quality remnant oak-hickory savanna, which is a rare ecosystem in the Chicago region.
It sits directly adjacent to O'Hare International Airport, making it a unique spot for watching low-altitude aircraft approaches.
The preserve contains a significant portion of the Des Plaines River watershed, which helps manage regional stormwater runoff.
The forest floor features native spring ephemerals, including trillium and trout lilies, which bloom before the tree canopy fully closes.
Catherine Chevalier Woods is a 184-acre forest preserve managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County, located along the Des Plaines River in Chicago. The area features a mix of floodplain forest, oak woodland, and restored prairie habitats. It serves as a trailhead for the Des Plaines River Trail, a long-distance multi-use path stretching through Cook County. The site provides public picnic groves with tables and designated charcoal disposal stations. Hikers utilize unpaved internal trails that wind through dense wooded patches. The woods are a known corridor for migratory birds and local wildlife, including deer and coyotes. Its geography is defined by its proximity to the Des Plaines River, which occasionally impacts trail accessibility during high-water events. Parking is available on-site near the main entrance off East River Road. The preserve functions primarily as a recreational space for active nature engagement rather than a highly landscaped city park.
The wooden bridge or clearings along the Des Plaines River Trail during the golden hour.
Bring insect repellent, as the proximity to the river makes the woods prone to mosquitoes in warm months.
Check the Forest Preserves of Cook County website for current trail closures if there has been recent heavy rainfall.
Wear waterproof hiking boots if you plan to explore the interior trails, as they can become muddy.
Do not attempt to access the river banks during or immediately after heavy rain due to rapid flooding potential.
Stay on marked trails to protect sensitive undergrowth; pack out all trash; keep pets on a leash at all times.
