Hiking with Kids Open
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
4.6(3,835)4.6 out of 5 stars, 3835 reviews Chicago, IL
About Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers a unique blend of well-maintained hiking trails, scenic nature views, and an equine-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy outdoor activities together.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a day out in natureParents wanting to combine hiking with photography opportunitiesEquestrian families wanting to ride on trailsAll ages, with trails suitable for young children to adultsBest for children who can walk or run for several miles
Why families love it
- 9.5-mile main loop trail suitable for hiking, running, and cycling
- Shaded areas provided by old oak trees and dense foliage
- Equestrian-friendly trails for families with horses
- Access to a waterfall, especially impressive after rainfall
- Well-maintained trails that are easy to navigate
- Variety of landscapes including forest, prairie, and marshland
Insider tips
- Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds
- Check weather conditions to ensure the waterfall is flowing
- Consider parking at the Trailhead lot for easier access to the waterfall
Good to know before you go
- Weekends during peak summer hours when it can get crowded
- Visiting after long dry spells if you want to see the waterfall at its best
- Some trails can get hot in summer due to reduced shade from tree cutting
- Waterfall may be less impressive during dry seasons
- Crowds
- Can get busy during summer weekends, especially near the waterfall
- Value
- Free access to the preserve, offering great value compared to paid parks; no hidden costs mentioned.
- Food
- No specific food policies mentioned, but it's advisable to bring snacks and water for longer hikes
- Accessibility
- Trails are generally accessible but may not have specific accommodations for wheelchairs
- Safety
- Well-maintained trails reduce the risk of accidents
What parents say
"Came here to do a maternity photo shoot and the location certainly didn’t disappoint!! We chose Waterfall Glen because it is an equine-friendly location. I’ve been here before and had a vision of what I wanted to capture in these photos. If you’re an equestrian, I highly recommend riding these trails. They are lovely!"
2 months ago
"First time out to this trail, after many great reviews and doable travel time- it was easy access off I-55 and 294S, 30 mins from the city on a Saturday afternoon. The trails are gravel, ideal for running, walking and cycling, lots of people enjoying the trails, but it didn’t feel crowded at all. There was a lot of direct sunlight overhead the first 2 miles then after that you head through a more shaded part, huge beautiful old oak trees and dense foliage. There is a waterfall but it’s 6 miles in from the original loop, if you park at the Frontage road lot- or Trailhead parking lot off of I-5"
5 months ago
"I have ran many times here. I always like running here, but it was honestly a bit better a couple years ago. They cut down a lot of trees that provided shade so in the summer it gets hot on some of the stretches. Overall though this is a great place to run or walk and the scenery is really enjoyable. The 9 mile loop is perfect to run and I would recommend checking out the waterfall. It was a lot bigger than I expected."
a week ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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