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 (1)
See all- Hike Waterfall Glen from the Main Parking Lot, 6 miles or more or lessWaterfall Glen, Darien, ILUSD 1.00
NOTE: this is a different starting point than we usually use! Waterfall Glen is a wooded, nice wide crushed limestone loop path of 9.5 miles total length. We'll only plan to hike about 6 miles total out and back, to the Rocky Glen Waterfall and then back to the main parking lot on Northgate Rd. This will take us through a different part of the preserve than we usually hike. Anyone who wants can return earlier since it's out-and-back and easy to follow. Or you can continue all the way around the 9.5-mile loop. We'll plan stick to the limestone trail, but if someone else would like to lead the group on some of the smaller trails that would be fine as well.
We will meet at MAIN PARKING LOT (NOT the Waterfall Parking Lot, make sure you go to the right lot!). From I-55, take Cass Avenue 0.5 mile south to Northgate Road. Turn right on Northgate, and go 400 feet to the lot.
Per the DuPage Forest Preserve website: the 2,503-acre Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is one of the most ecologically impressive parcels of open space in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, if not northern Illinois. It is also one of the District’s most popular forest preserves, known for its Rocky Glen waterfall, Sawmill Creek bluff overlook, and extensive trails. Waterfall Glen offers gently rolling to hilly terrain with 11 miles of trails popular with hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and cross-country skiers.
Trail map:
https://www.dupageforest.org/hubfs/Places-to-Go/Documents/Forest-Preserves/Waterfall-Glen-map-2020.pdfMore maps and info: Waterfall Glen (dupageforest.org)
