![]() ![]() Long-term habitat-improvement projects have helped restore and maintain Waterfall Glen’s 773-acre Bluff Savanna, which roughly covers the southern part of the preserve between Argonne National Laboratory and the Des Plaines River. 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. If your an avid road biker, do not waste your time with Waterfall Glen.The 2,503-acre Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Darien is one of the most ecologically impressive parcels of open space in the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, if not northern Illinois. The guy that told us "This is a walking trail" was right. After rounding a corner we came upon two large horses being ridden. Also, be aware that they allow people to ride horses on this trail. We stumbled upon some trail employees that gave us directions to where we needed to return to to be able to exit the trail. We passed on his left with barely enough room for our bike tires. ![]() He would not move to the right, not even an inch. We were firmly told by this disgruntled walker, "This is a walking trail". We encountered one such "upper crust" that would not move over for us (after we had announced ourselves as passing on your left). ![]() The trail is host to many people walking. It was like riding through a maze trying to find out where we were and where we were going once we entered. Needless to say, for anyone that rides a road bike, crushed limestone is not rider friendly. We ended up exploring and decided to make the short jaunt over to Waterfall Glen. We took Centennial trail and followed Veterans Parkway trail north. I'll be back to walk, run, and bike this friendly trail. There are several parking areas to access this trail, so check to see which is closest for you when you come. My Garmin said that my total ascent for the loop was about 400 feet. I saw some complaints about elevation change, and here again, given flat boring Midwest plains, the few hills here were welcome relief for me. Just a few small percent of this trail was either wet, partially blocked, or eroded. I saw review complaints about its condition. Given this week's weather, it was amazing how well this main loop trail held up. There appeared to be some offshoot trails for more mixed terrain, though after a week of heavy rains, many seemed very wet from my view as I ran by them. The crushed gravel and dirt surface is better suited to wider tire bikes like a hybrid, cyclocross, or even a mountain bike. Not sure I would rush to take your road bike on this trail, though, it wouldn't be that tough on the bike. It also looks great for walking and biking. It is an excellent option for untechnical asphalt free running. I ran the 9.5 mile loop yesterday, 5/14/16. I didn't see any reference to being able to RUN on this trail, but, I went for it and was not disappointed. To access parking on the southwest side, follow Lemont Road to where it crosses 101st Street the parking turnoff is on the east of Lemont where 101st comes in. To access the southeast end of the trail continue south on Cass Avenue from I-55 and bear left at the elbow bend onto Bluff Road the parking area is a short distance up the road on the right. Turn right on Northgate Road then right again into the parking area (there are 2 parking areas the second right is a larger lot). On the north side, take I-55 to the Cass Avenue Exit and head south. There are three main parking areas for Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve. Horseback riders can park their trailers in designated spots at the trailhead on Northgate Road trailer parking is not allowed at the Lemont Road lot. Horseback riding is not allowed in developed recreational areas, such as the youth group campground. Cyclists must stick to the designated bike trails. The multi-use trail system accommodates cyclists, equestrians and hikers, and some trails are groomed in winter for skiing. You're likely to see lots of wildlife here, too. The 700-acre forest is a contiguous wooded acreage interspersed with dolomite beneath a prairie habitat, home to rare plants.Īs you explore the limestone-surfaced trail, you'll discover the woodlands with dominant oak and maple trees, as well as prairie and grassland habitats and planted pine groves. The preserve is geologically significant, featuring glacier-carved rock ridges, ravines and wetland potholes, which are not found anywhere else in the county. The trail system in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve makes a loop around the entire park. ![]()
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