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LaBagh Woods

Albany Park Free
Off-Leash Allowed No, leash required

About

River woodland inside the city on the northwest side, and the southern gateway to the North Branch Trail system.

Amenities

Shaded area
Outdoor space

LaBagh Woods is a forest preserve inside the Chicago city limits, on Cicero just north of Foster, running along the North Branch of the Chicago River.

It is the southern end of the North Branch Trail System, which covers roughly 36.7 miles in total with both paved and unpaved surfaces following about 20 miles of the river. From here you can walk north for as long as you have the legs for it.

It is also one of the best birdwatching spots in the city, which is worth knowing in both directions — the woods are quiet and lovely, and there will be people with binoculars who would rather your dog did not come crashing through the undergrowth.

On-leash dogs are permitted, stated explicitly by the Forest Preserves.

Good to Know
Address, the North Branch Trail System connection and the on-leash dog policy confirmed 2026-09-22 from the Forest Preserves of Cook County's own page for LaBagh Woods, which lists "Dogs (on-leash only)" in its amenities. Forest Preserves rule: dogs must be leashed, controlled, and kept to the right of the trail. Dogs are NOT allowed in water bodies or in Illinois Nature Preserves except on official marked trails — relevant here, as parts of the preserve are managed for wildlife. A heavily used birdwatching site; keep your dog on the trail. Not verified: parking, trail surface at specific entrances, or seasonal flooding along the river. Details checked 2026-09-22.

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Location & Contact

N. Cicero Ave., north of W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60630

Location

Serves
Albany Park Jefferson Park Irving Park Portage Park Lincoln Square

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