Che-Che-Pin-Qua Woods

Chicagos Most Underrated Hiking Trail

In the heart of a forgotten forest lies a place of unparalleled magic and intrigue – Che-Che-Pin-Qua-Pin-Qua Woods. Named after Alexander Robinson, his mother is from Ottawa and his father was a Scottish trader father in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He was instrumental in negotiating the Treaty of St. Louis and the Treaty of Prairie du Chien. For his services, he was given a two square mile tract of land along the Des Plaines River from roughly Cumberland Avenue to Ruby Street and from roughly Addison Street to Higgins Road. Controversy surrounds this natural playground as history shows the land was stolen by Cook County. We don't know about all that but we do know that Che-Che-Pin-Qua has one of the best trails near Chicago. Accessible by Public Transportation, you wouldn't want to miss this natural area when you visit Chicago. 

Che-Che-Pin-Qua-Pin-Qua Woods is a biodiverse haven, housing an array of flora and fauna found nowhere else in the world. Towering ancient trees stand tall, their branches intertwined like guardians of this mystical realm. From majestic trees to delicate wildflowers, the woods offer a captivating display of nature's creativity. You can access the Des plaines river to just chill by the banks. Our favorite time to visit is during the fall. The colors are unmatched! The hues of oranges and reds are enough to leave you stunned. about two years ago the trial was over 3 miles long. We would walk through woods and prairies for hours, but over the years Forest Preserve of Cook county kinda let nature reclaim the prairie area. But you can still explore the trail around the woods and river. 

When you first enter the woods you will walk through the woods for about 1000 feet then you will make it to a clearing that features a giant hill. You can walk over it then go right or you can go right and walk around it (both are trails). You will then reenter the forest to witness the true beauty of the forest preserve. The trail is about  1.2 miles out and back.