Lets hike Waterfall Glen during off season, 4.7 or 9.5 miles
Details
**Optional post hike lunch**
TBD
Hike Summary:
Allow about 4 hours for the full hike.
The full loop is about 9.5 miles and includes quarter mile side trip to a waterfall. For those who want a shorter 4.7 mile option its there and back. That's about 2.75 miles one way then head back.
Its almost impossible to get lost on this trail. Very wide, flat and well marked, follow the main trail loop.
This hike is cross posted with Chicagoland Trailblazers Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/chicagoland-trailblazers-hiking-group/events/312220267
and my guest rsvp includes members of the group.
Hike Details
The trail is all crushed limestone and very wide. Its narrowest width is 6 or 8 feet. Beautiful tall Oak trees surround both sides of the trail. From where we park, the first visit to the waterfall is only about 1/2 mile.
We will then continue on the main trail to a scenic area, Sawmill Creek Bluff Overlook. The elevation is around 600 feet at that point and I estimate that the creek is at least a hundred feet below probably more.
There are no steep inclines but a few gentle elevation changes of not more than 20 feet at one time if even that.
From there we will continue toward mile marker 4.5, Des Plaines River Scenic overlook where you can see part of a suburb below. If you stop here and go back the other way then it will be a 4.75 mile hike.
Dogs are welcome and the preserve has a porta-potty. The flush restroom facility may be closed for the season.
Directions:
Do not type waterfall glen in your gps or phone because most likely you will end up at the wrong parking lot.
There are multiple parking lots and you must follow these directions to find us.
The parking lot is near the intersection of Cass Avenue and Bluff Road in Lemont.
When exiting I-55 at South Cass Avenue, continue down Cass another 1.7 miles south of route 55.
You will pass 91st street. From 91st street its another 1.3 miles. You will come to a curve where the Cass road turns left. There may be cars parked there. Continue another 900 feet.
You will see the Field Research Station. Turn in the forest preserve drive and go park near the information sign and facilities.
There is no specific address for this parking lot.
Website:
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/waterfall-glen