Busse Woods Trail System

Click on the map above to download an Adobe Acrobat PDF of the Busse Woods Trail System Map. ("bw_trailmap.pdf" - 2.7MB)

The Busse Woods Trail System is located throughout the Ned Brown Preserve in northwestern Cook County, Illinois. This Class I bicycle trail is currently 11.2 miles long and winds through the meadows and forests around Busse Lake.

This trail is not well suited for area residents, but ideal for those riders wishing to drive to the area. You can stop at one of the convenient parking areas then unload your bicycle and ride the winding trail through the preserve. These parking areas as well as the trail are shown on the map.

The Ned Brown Preserve is a 3,700 acre holding located in northwestern Cook County. This preserve, also known as Busse Woods, surrounds Busse Lake, a 590 acre lake that serves as the focal point of the area. The trail winds through the forests and meadows around Busse Lake providing access to many of the preserves unique features. You can ride through a mature forest past a herd of elk, then head for the lake to watch the sailboats for awhile. If you have your gear along, try catching a northern pike at one of the six fishing walls. There are many opportunities waiting for you, so plan a time today to ride the Busse Woods Bicycle Trail.

Trail Rules

All Trails:

1. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
   
2. Motor vehicles prohibited.
   
3. RIDE/WALK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRAIL.
   
4. Give warning before passing other trail users.
   
5. Obey all stop signs.
   
6. Speed training or racing is NOT PERMITTED. Violators will be ticketed.
   
7. Keep dogs leashed and in control.
   
8. Please do not litter. Pack out more than you pack in.
   
9. Helmets are required for all bicycle riders 14 years and younger (effective Jan. 1, 2005).
   
10. In case of an emergency - call 911.
    

Paved Trails:

1. Stay in your own lane.
   
2. WALK all bicycles down overpasses where designated.
   

Unpaved Trails:

1. Bicyclists and equestrians must stay on the designated trail.
   
2. No off-trail riding.
   
3. Bicyclists must yield to hikers and equestrians.
   
4. Hikers must yield to equestrians.
   
5. Do not use trails when muddy.
   

Trail Signage:

New Trail System Markers

Click here to view the new trail signs that are found on the trail systems. ("FPDtrail_signage.pdf" - 730K)

Before Planning a Special Event

Permission is required for all special events to be held on the bicycle trail involving more than 25 persons. For further information, call the FPDCC at (708) 366-9420.

Return to the Trail System Maps page...