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 Reporter |
Summary: Waterfall Glen wraps around Argonne National Laboratory and is situated southwest of Chicago. The main trail is wide and flat, and loops all around the park for a total distance of around 9.5 miles. There are many side trails in the park that branch off of the main trail and offer different scenery and less traffic than the main trail. The branch I chose took me to St. Patrick's cemetary, which dates back to the mid-1800s (you must call ahead to get access to the cemetary). Families with children tend to hang around the paths closer to the trailhead, but they disappear once you hike out a bit. The area is suitable for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and even just a mid-day stroll. Even on weekend days you can venture off of the main trail and find yourself on a secluded hike through a dense forest. And given the amount of different paths and trails in Waterfall Glen, you can hike here several times and have a different hike each time. Trailhead: From I-55, take Highway 83 (Kingery) South to Bluff Road. Turn right (West) onto Bluff Road. Go about 800 meters and turn left into the ranger station and follow the road to the trailhead and parking. You can also just stay on Bluff Road until it makes a sharp right-turn onto Cass Avenue. You can park on the southwest side of the intersection of Cass Avenue and Bluff Road. (Lat:41.7068 Lon:-87.95941) Trail Guides for Waterfall Glen: Hiking Illinois by Susan L. Post (Human Kinetics Pub) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County (630) 933-7200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Sean Bullington Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by clark on 8/19/2007 Actually the short trail shown is part of a ~10mile loop that continues west past Bluff Road, turning north along railroad tracks and then loops back east on the northern section of the forest preserve. A limestone trail surface and good signage guides you over the entire loop. Many joggers enjoy running the entire loop, and an annual competitive trail run is held in July. Also the Chicago Area Orienteering Club holds at least one meet here each year. 
Reviewed by JohnR on 6/3/2006 Nice little hike down to the Des Plaines river on the southwest part of the preserve and walking along sawmill creek toward the waterfall can be interesting if you don't mind getting your feet alittle wet.
Reviewed by JO on 3/4/2006 I love this hike. It's a great way to stay in shape and it's very easy terrain. I'd recommend it to anyone who wants a pleasant hike in beautiful surroundings. It's nice in the winter too, I just hiked there this morning.
Reviewed by JC on 9/13/2005 This is a great bike ride, can but rigourous at times, but overall a great workout. I did see the old cemetary and saw some creepy hooded figures in the distance. this place is haunted, which makes for a very interesting ride at sundown.
Reviewed by Beth on 7/18/2005 this is a pretty nice trail. the main loop is actually 9.5 miles. i've rode it nearly a half dozen times & it is always pretty. the canopy of the trees make parts of the trail cool & shady. right now the waterfall & creek is completely dry. a bed of rocks with a few snakes.
Reviewed by Nikki on 7/9/2005 Hiked today through sawmill creek. Sadly, 99% of the water had evaporated and the creek is nothing but a bed of rocks. It's still beautiful scenerary despite the drought.
Reviewed by John on 6/18/2005 6/18-saturday, went off the main trail on the southeast corner of the preserve and walked along sawmill creek. The creek is mostly dry now but there are some pools here and there.
Reviewed by nk on 8/12/2004 where has this been hiding all my life??? Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Illinois Hiking, Illinois Trails, Illinois Hikes, Cook County Hiking, Cook County Trails, Cook County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||