Dam Number 4 Woods East Forest Preserve, Park Ridge, IL

Dam Number 4 Woods East Forest Preserve covers 128 acres along the Des Plaines River in Park Ridge, with a 1.7-mile section of the Des Plaines River Trail that runs through it. The trail surface is crushed limestone and connects to the larger 56-mile trail network, allowing residents to reach trailheads in neighboring communities without driving. A 0.6-mile loop around a small pond provides a shorter walking option with benches and signage about local wildlife. Fishing is permitted at the pond, which is stocked periodically by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. Picnic tables and a single shelter are located near the main parking area on Oakton Street, and portable restrooms are available seasonally. The preserve sits less than one mile from Uptown Park Ridge, where residents can reach Metra Union Pacific Northwest trains, grocery stores, and restaurants on foot or by bicycle via the trail. The combination of direct trail access, on-site recreation, and nearby transit makes the preserve a practical daily amenity for households that value outdoor activity without extended travel.