The best walks and hikes around Harwood Heights

Yes, most trails in the Cook County Forest Preserves are dog-friendly, but your dog must be on a leash at all times. The trails in Schiller Woods and Robinson Woods are great options for walking with your canine companion, offering a mix of open spaces and wooded paths.

The area is well-suited for beginners, with many flat and accessible trails. A great choice is the LaBagh Woods loop via North Branch Red Paved Trail — Chicago. It's a short, easy walk of about 1.2 miles (1.9 km) that can be completed in around 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick and gentle introduction to local hiking.

Many of the trails in the forest preserves are paved, making them ideal for walking, running, and biking. The North Shore Channel Trail is a popular paved route that runs along the North Branch of the Chicago River. For a longer paved option, consider the nearly 11-mile loop trail at Busse Woods.

Yes, there are several loop trails. For a shorter, easy loop, the Robinson Woods North loop from O'Hare is a great option, covering about 3.2 miles (5.1 km). For a slightly longer circuit, you could try the Robinson Woods North – Robinson Woods South loop from O'Hare, which is approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km).

The forest preserves around Harwood Heights are rich in wildlife. It's common to spot white-tailed deer, especially in areas like Schiller Woods. The river corridors are excellent for birdwatching, particularly for migrating warblers in Robinson Woods. For a unique sight, visit the elk pasture at Busse Woods to see the resident herd.

The landscape around Harwood Heights is predominantly flat and characterized by gentle rivers and streams. As a result, there are no significant natural waterfalls on the main hiking trails in the immediate area.

You can hike here year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly pleasant. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and migrating birds, while autumn offers beautiful fall foliage. Summer is also popular, though it can be hot and humid. Winter hiking and cross-country skiing are possible when conditions allow, offering a different perspective of the woods.

Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are recommended as some trails can be unpaved and muddy after rain. Dress in layers, as weather can change. In summer, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and insect repellent are essential. In cooler months, a waterproof jacket and warmer layers are advisable.

Most of the forest preserves, such as Schiller Woods, Robinson Woods, and Busse Woods, have dedicated parking lots near the main trailheads and picnic groves. These are typically well-marked and provide convenient access to the trail systems. Arriving early on weekends is a good idea as popular spots can fill up.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails from the city and the peaceful, natural setting along the Des Plaines and Chicago Rivers. The mix of paved and unpaved paths through the woodlands is also frequently mentioned as a key highlight.

There are over 30 designated hiking routes to explore in the immediate vicinity of Harwood Heights. The majority of these are easy, flat trails suitable for all fitness levels, with a handful of more moderate options for those seeking a slightly longer walk.