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One of the nicest trails in the Chicago Area.


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Map Key

8.5

Miles

13.6

KM

99%

Runnable

731' 223 m

High

591' 180 m

Low

364' 111 m

Up

364' 111 m

Down

2%

Avg Grade (1°)

15%

Max Grade (9°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Lake · River/Creek · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

Overview

This trail features mostly small rolling hills with a few bigger hills on the east end.

Need to Know

Around Mile 4, Swallow Cliffs - North has a pair of stairs, a large sledding hill, and restrooms with flush toilets. Many people climb these stairs for fitness. The sledding hill is a recent conversion from a pair of toboggan runs that was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1930

Description

The trail is a well marked, mixed-use, packed dirt trail. Equestrians and cyclists also use this trail on a regular basis, so keep proper trail etiquette in mind when visiting this area.  Follow the yellow blazes to keep on this loop. The rolling hills of this trail creates a terrain varied elevation that is found in few places in northeast Illinois.

The logged trail begins at the Swallow Cliffs - South forest preserve. It begins near the Brown Trail, but this loop follows the yellow blazes for its remainder. The trail crosses several creeks via bridges. Smaller streets are crossed, but for US-45/Lagrange Road, the trail passes through an underpass. After periods of substantial rain, there may be standing water in these underpasses.

In warmer months, proper precautions should be taken for mosquitoes and ticks. Poison ivy is found just off the trails.

History & Background

The Palos and Sag Valley preserves, in Southwest Cook County, comprise the largest and most diversified holding for the Cook County Forest Preserve. Mostly hilly and forested, they are notable for scenic beauty and rich in history back to glacial and geologic times. Masses of hawthorns and crabapples bloom in spring; the woodlands provide colorful autumn foliage. There are fine upland meadows; many lakes, ponds, and sloughs; a great variety and abundance of wildlife and the best fishing waters in Cook County.

Contacts

Shared By:

Matthew Rodriguez

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 29 votes

#484

Overall
  4.4 from 29 votes
5 Star
45%
4 Star
48%
3 Star
7%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Illinois

#484

Overall
24 Views Last Month
9,514 Since May 20, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

17%
13%
67%
0%
4%
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Photos

Oak trees begin to leaf out in a well-managed oak woodland. With plenty of sunlight, the spring wildflowers are abundant.
May 10, 2017 near Palos Park, IL
The trail passes though a high quality oak savanna. Recent eco-restoration activity = good sight lines and lots of flowers.
Aug 31, 2016 near Palos Park, IL

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 54 days ago
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Check-Ins

Oct 10, 2022
Zebulon Black
Fantastic run around the yellow loop trail. Very quiet with a few other trail users and horses. 9mi — 2h 00m
Aug 21, 2022
Jenna Staff
The best trail running ground in the Chicago area! Has enough hills to get your legs tired (not to mention Swallow Cliff steps), but is well-marke… 8.5mi
Sep 16, 2021
Steve Homner
8.5mi
Aug 21, 2020
Frank Murphy
Beautiful morning for it. Not too crowded today. 8.5mi — 1h 30m
Aug 15, 2020
Frank Murphy
Trail well maintained. Lots of people, but plenty spread out. 8.5mi — 1h 34m
May 13, 2019
Matt Couse
1h 22m
Apr 13, 2019
John Williams
Dec 9, 2018
Margaret Bridges
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