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Timber Ridge Forest Preserve adventures

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve Adventures

Timber Ridge Forest Preserve offers a tranquil outdoor experience with extensive trails through mixed hardwood forests and open grasslands, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife observation, and seasonal activities in northern Illinois.

700
Acres Protected
10
Miles of Trails
35,000
Annual Visitors
1981
Year Established

About Timber Ridge Forest Preserve

 

Located in DuPage County, Illinois, Timber Ridge Forest Preserve spans over a diverse landscape of rolling hills, mature woodlands, and restored prairies. The preserve is part of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and serves as a peaceful natural area that protects local flora and fauna while offering recreational and educational opportunities. The ecology features a rich mixture of oak, hickory, and maple trees alongside native prairie grasses. Wildlife commonly seen includes white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, various songbirds, and occasional sightings of red foxes. Established to conserve the region’s natural heritage, Timber Ridge provides a refuge from urban life within a rapidly developing suburban area. Recreational offerings include multi-use trails suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and cross-country skiing during winter months. Visitors can explore several interconnected trail loops that highlight scenic ridges, small wetlands, and open fields. The preserve also features picnic areas and interpretive signage explaining local ecosystems. Its accessibility from nearby towns makes it a popular destination for day-use visitors seeking outdoor adventure and nature study. The preserve protects one of the larger forest tracts in the county, making it a vital green corridor in the region. Overall, Timber Ridge Forest Preserve balances conservation objectives with outdoor recreation, attracting a range of visitors from families to outdoor enthusiasts desiring a quiet, natural setting close to Chicago’s western suburbs.

Highlights

Highlight

Timber Ridge Trail Loop – a scenic multi-use trail showcasing ridge-top views and mature hardwood forest

Highlight

Restored Prairie Sections offering rare native grassland habitat with seasonal wildflowers

Highlight

Opportunities to spot white-tailed deer and diverse songbird populations

Highlight

Quiet picnic areas tucked within the forest providing peaceful nature breaks

Notable Natural Features

Timber Ridge Trail

A 5-mile trail featuring gentle elevation changes with forest and prairie ecosystems along its route.

Restored Prairie Habitat

Several acres of native prairie plants restored and managed to maintain local biodiversity and wildflowers.

Interpretive Signage

Educational panels placed along trails explaining the natural history and species found throughout the preserve.