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.
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.
Timber Ridge Trail Loop – a scenic multi-use trail showcasing ridge-top views and mature hardwood forest
Restored Prairie Sections offering rare native grassland habitat with seasonal wildflowers
Opportunities to spot white-tailed deer and diverse songbird populations
Quiet picnic areas tucked within the forest providing peaceful nature breaks
A 5-mile trail featuring gentle elevation changes with forest and prairie ecosystems along its route.
Several acres of native prairie plants restored and managed to maintain local biodiversity and wildflowers.
Educational panels placed along trails explaining the natural history and species found throughout the preserve.