Things to Do in Busse Woods

Busse Woods, officially known as the Ned Brown Forest Preserve, is a 3,558-acre outdoor destination located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It features diverse landscapes including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, with Busse Lake and Salt Creek as central features. A significant portion is designated as the Busse Forest Nature Preserve.

Busse Woods offers a variety of activities including hiking, touring cycling, jogging, and mountain biking. The preserve features nearly 11 to 13 miles (17.7 to 20.9 km) of paved multi-use trails and unpaved paths. Boating and fishing are also popular on Busse Lake.

Busse Woods provides numerous hiking opportunities, including unpaved paths for a more rugged experience and sections of the multi-use paved trails. There are 9 hiking routes available on komoot. For more information, consult the guide Hiking in Busse Woods.

Busse Woods features nearly 11 to 13 miles (17.7 to 20.9 km) of paved multi-use trails, including a prominent 7.3 to 8-mile (11.7 to 12.9 km) loop, suitable for touring cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking. There are 4 touring cycling routes available on komoot. Refer to the guide Cycling in Busse Woods for details.

Yes, Busse Woods offers mountain biking opportunities on its unpaved paths. There is 1 mountain biking route available on komoot. Further details can be found in the guide MTB Trails in Busse Woods.

Busse Woods features mostly flat terrain, making many of its trails accessible for various fitness levels. The paved multi-use trails are generally considered easy. For specific routes, consult the guide Easy hikes in Busse Woods.

Busse Woods is suitable for family outings due to its accessible and mostly flat trails. The preserve also features an elk pasture, which is a unique attraction for visitors. For hiking options, see the guide Family-friendly hikes in Busse Woods.

Busse Woods encompasses diverse ecosystems including mature woodlands, open grasslands, and wetlands. Key natural features include the 457-acre Busse Lake, the winding Salt Creek, and the 440-acre Busse Forest Nature Preserve, a designated National Natural Landmark.

Busse Woods is home to a variety of wildlife. A notable attraction is the elk pasture near Arlington Heights Road, which houses a herd of elk. Other wildlife includes deer, various bird species, and small mammals.

Busse Woods offers dog-friendly trails for visitors. Specific routes and guidelines for bringing dogs can be found in the guide Dog-friendly hikes in Busse Woods.

Busse Woods is a popular destination on komoot, with 19 routes available across various sports. These routes have been explored by more than 4,000 visitors and hold an average rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars from nearly 500 ratings.

Komoot offers several guides for Busse Woods, including those for Hiking, Cycling, Running Trails, and MTB Trails. Guides for family-friendly, easy, and dog-friendly hikes are also available.

Busse Woods is part of the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The official website is fpdcc.com/places/locations/busse-woods/. For general inquiries, the phone number is (800) 870-3666.