O'Hara Woods
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
O'Hara Woods is a beautiful forest preserve located in Cook County, Illinois.
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Summary
It is a great destination to visit for nature lovers, hikers, and bird watchers. The preserve spans over 517 acres of land and offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the main attractions in O'Hara Woods is the extensive trail system that winds through the forest and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the area. There are over 4 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty levels, and several picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
In addition to hiking and picnicking, O'Hara Woods is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, foxes, and many bird species. Bird watchers can spot woodpeckers, hawks, and other bird species throughout the preserve.
One interesting fact about O'Hara Woods is that it is one of the few remaining oak-hickory forests in the region. The preserve is also home to several rare plant species that are not found anywhere else in the state.
The best time to visit O'Hara Woods is in the spring when the forest comes alive with blooming wildflowers and migrating birds. Fall is another great time to visit when the leaves change color and the forest is transformed into a beautiful autumn landscape.
Overall, O'Hara Woods is a great destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Illinois and explore one of the last remaining oak-hickory forests in the region.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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