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- Annual Lake Katherine Welcome HikeLake Katherine Nature Center, Palos Heights, IL
This is where our group began all those years ago (2013, I believe), so it has become an annual welcome hike. Come see what we're all about, or come back and renew old friendships! We'll go around Lake Katherine (easy, flat 1-mile loop) and then whoever wants can continue another mile or two on the Cal-Sag Trail (out and back). Great opportunity for new hikers or those who prefer a shorter distance. Optional coffee or brunch afterwards at Lumes Pancake House (just a few minutes away), lumespancakehouse.com, the Plush Horse Ice Cream | The Plush Horse | United States or elsewhere. Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens is an 85-acre park that includes woodlands, prairie, wetlands, and a 10-acre lake. More info at:
https://www.lakekatherine.org/I won't be collecting the $1 website donation at this hike since it's a welcome for new/returning members.
- Hike the Swallow Cliff Yellow Trail - ~4 mi, ~6 mi or 8 miSwallow Cliff Woods North "The Stairs" (Sag Valley Trail System), Palos Hills, IL$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)
