Meandering Wooded Footpaths of Glenview Woods in Glenview, IL

 

Meandering Wooded Footpaths of the Glenview Woods section of Illinois' Harms Woods

Glenview Woods invited a forest exploration for us yesterday as we celebrated a rest from work for the day. During a number of trips from our home to Skokie, we passed right by the verdant woods. Yet, our visit yesterday was our first! As we meandered through Glenview Woods, a plethora of natural footpaths spiraled off the main trail opening up the possibilities of many adventures.

Forest bathing at Glenview Woods

The North Branch Trail courses through Glenview Woods. We discovered a number of bike riders readying for an afternoon on the trail as we pulled into the parking lot. The 20-mile trail connects Chicago to the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. The North Branch Trail system also consists of natural paths exploring green spaces and ecological restorations along the trail. The trail follows along the North Branch of the Chicago River adding more beautiful views. After parking, we soon found a footpath that led us away from the bike trail into the woods after crossing the river.

The North Branch of the Chicago River gently flowing through Glenview Woods.

Quickly, we found ourselves embraced by the forest. We rambled over slightly rolling trails and noticed a few spots that may hold ephemeral streams in wetter times.

While dense, the forest opened up letting the sun shine in.

Overall, the airiness of the forest lifted my spirits. Glenview Woods is part of the larger Harms Woods consisting of restored habitats. During our hikes, we enjoyed identifying woodland flowers, birds and more. Harms Woods recently earned the designation of an official Illinois Nature Preserve in 2019. The designation has been well earned through the hard work of volunteers restoring the habitats of the preserve for over 30 years. The designation provides further protections for this spectacular preserve.

Ambling along the Chicago River at Glenview Woods

Towards the end of our hike before crossing back across the Chicago River, we ambled on a trail that traced the river. We enjoyed such a wonderful peaceful walk along the river noting even more footpaths twisting off. We can see new wanderings in our future and know we will be back!