What we’re about
The southwest suburbs are full of wonderful forest preserves, parks and natural areas. I spend a lot of time walking/hiking in them, and I'm sure there are others of you who are retired, working part-time, between jobs or whatever who like to get some outdoor exercise during the week. Let's get together and do some walking!
We usually hike on Tuesday mornings for 1-2 hours, usually between 3 and 5 miles, at a moderate pace. Coffee or lunch afterwards is often an option. Hikes may also be scheduled on other days of the week, along with occasional longer outings to places further away. We may or may not hike year-round, depending on the severity of the weather.
Dogs are not permitted on this group's hikes, unless a special exception is requested and granted or a special "dog-friendly" hike is announced. Several of the places we frequently hike are nature preserves that don't allow dogs. Also, I think it might slow down the group or cause problems if several people bring dogs. Thanks for your cooperation.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Hike the Swallow Cliff Yellow Trail - ~4 mi, ~6 mi or 8 miSwallow Cliff Woods North "The Stairs" (Sag Valley Trail System), Palos Hills, ILUSD 1.00
This is one of our most familiar hikes. We'll start at the bottom of the stairs and start by climbing UP this time to warm up, then head east on the yellow trail at a moderate pace, circling back around to the bottom (~4 miles, which is what I'll probably do) or head down sooner on the purple trail. Those who want can then continue all the way around, back up and back down on the stairs to the parking lot (~8 miles). Come early or stay after and climb up and down the stairs as many times as you want. There are so many options!
The trail is crushed stone, wooded, and nice, not difficult except for a couple quite steep hills. You'll need to be able to walk up the 124 stairs. I'd suggest bringing water and a snack if you plan to hike the entire 8 miles.
Maps at:
Sag Valley Trail System Map (fpdcc.com)Southwest Zone Map - Forest Preserves of Cook County (fpdcc.com)
- Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, 2.5 miles or moreLake Renwick Preserve - Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, Plainfield, ILUSD 1.00
This is one of the Will County Forest Preserve DIstrict's annual fall Woods Walks: Take a hike: Will County’s 23rd annual Woods Walk returns this fall | Forest Preserve District of Will County If you hike at least 7 of the 10 listed trails, you get a pin. We won't lead hikes on all of them, but this can get you started! Here's the booklet listing all this year's trails, this one is #3:
Woods-Walk-Book-2025-WEB.pdfWe haven't visited the Rookery in a long time, but this should be a good time of year to see the many birds that live there. Bring your binoculars. This will be a more leisurely hike, but there's an option to go quite a bit further on the connected Lake Renwick Bikeway. Flat, easy, mostly out-and-back.
There are several entrances to this preserve so make sure you come to the right one, it's on the south side of the preserve off of Renwick Rd, (NOT Lockport St.).
When you rsvp it will probably say "unpaid"; just bring $1 cash donation with you (not required).
