Want a free workout that will kick your butt? Head over to the Swallow Cliff stairs. There are people of all fitness levels that make the trek here. Stay to the right and keep your own pace. The forest preserve has done a nice job maintaining the area. There are tables to have a picnic, clean bathrooms, and seasonal café. There is a decent amount of parking too. It does get packed if weather is nice. People like to use rocks to track their loop numbers. Signs say no dogs allowed on the stairs. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - View from top of stairs. - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

The stairs start out widely spaced and then desend as a normal staircase . There is and opening in the middle where you can rest or turn around. It maybe a bit strenuous for old geezers like me , but I played off the rest stop like I didn't to use my phone . Some long shaded benches greet you on top or choose from four pavilion benches ( see picture ) read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Around noon two of the benches in back are shaded . - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

The stairs provide a pretty intense workout-the east steps are rough and a little irregular while the west set is a bit easier-more flat areas for breaks, if you need them. I go up the east side, down on the west. I think it's 125 stairs on the east, and 145 on the west. All ages and fitness levels are here! Lots of parking, clean. Dogs are not allowed on the stairs. There's a snack bar, restrooms, and a fairly large room for meetings, presentations, and activities. There are also several trails if you still have energy after the stairs! read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - View from the top. - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

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Popular on the weekends. The parking going in can fill up but if you drive closer to the stairs there is an additional parking on the left side. The stairs is actually not that high possibly only a hundred steps. The left stairs only has 1 landing 3/4 way up. The right-hand side stairs has landings every 15 steps or so. The trail by the woods is well-shaded. If you want to skip the stairs and just walk on the woods there is a parking lot entrance from Rt 45. read more

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Love swallow cliff stairs! This is definitely a workout!! My goodness this is nothing like regular stairs or a stair climber. For those that even exercise regularly, this is a tough workout and you really have to build up to it. Nice location, great walking trail in addition to the stairs. Everyone that goes is very friendly. In the summer the smoothie shop is open. Police regularly patrol the area. Super big parking lots. The only issue is that you're really supposed to walk up one side and down the other - but often people are walking up and down the main flight of stairs which is annoying. Aside from that, it's a great experience. read more

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Heard about this place for years and finally went! A great way to build up endurance. Planning for the manitou incline in Colorado next month. Did five flights the first week then ten the next. There's two sets of stairs and has a bead counter on top if you want to use. Plenty of walking and biking trails near by. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

When I say these stairs are the TRUTH, I mean it. I was only able to make it around 3 times, but I'm still feeling the experience days later. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

It used to be the toboggan run we all went to as children. I can still remember my grammar school trip. Well, some idiots did things they shouldn't have. Injured themselves and sued the Forest Preserve. In turn the concrete runs were removed. I wish there was a picture of what it used to be up there. Now, it is an exercise facility with trails. At the top of the first set of stairs to the right there is a chin up bar. This place is great but leave before dark or You will receive a ticket. read more

With my friend!! I got to stay at my friends house and she took me to this beautiful place. We walked 4 miles enjoying the beautiful nature. Everything so green and beautiful. I loved it. It was not too muddy and not to dry as it rains randomly. The trees are shading the whole trail. I felt recharged and refreshed after the walk. It is a very pleasant visit. The trails are very easy to walk it is just flat with hardly any hills. Definitely a place to go often if you can. I saw different people from different ages. I could see they walking and walking the long stairs more than once. I was very shocked because I got tired with going up one time. I need to get in shape and be ready when and if I go back. Thank you to my friend that took me to this beautiful nature. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

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Had thirty minutes to kill while waiting to pick up an item for my husband. I decided it's the perfect opportunity for a nice walk. The weather was beautiful; mid seventies, with a sunny sky and a good breeze. The sounds of nature was the only music needed. Birds chirping, bugs buzzing and whizzing, leaves rustling and the rocks cracking under my feet. Power walked down the trail and took a nice stroll back to my car. Just what the body and mind needed. read more

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Coming here never gets old. A great way to spend time in the outdoors walking the nature trails or exercising on the stairs. There's bathrooms, water fountains & a little smoothie shop located at the bottom of the stairs (the shop is not always open). The whole place is well maintained with a large parking lot too. My favorite thing is to workout and watch the sun fully rise! read more

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Wanna work of some of those places you reviewed?? Here's the place! Always meeting some friendly people when I go!

I haven't visited this park in over five years. We hiked for two hours. My friend Andrea led the hike. It was very peaceful and clean. They even have a black- owned smoothie bar at the entrance of the stairs. I will definitely visit again. read more

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Trail heads have plenty of parking. It is mostly wooded and the Paths were well marked and clear. We will return.

Swallow Cliffs has an enjoyable walking trail with a significant number of steps that can pose a challenge for some. Once you reach the top, the trail continues with some terrain, so wear comfortable shoes, and enjoy the hike. There is a smoothie shop conveniently located in the lower area near the parking lot, which is a plus after all the walking. read more

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First hike in this area. Recently joined a group that likes to do outdoors event. They picked this area for our monthly event and it was perfect. In addition to great pathways...there are stairs, and rentable Pavillion. Plenty of parking and easy to find. Will be back to hit the stairs again. read more

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If you want to do a stair challenge, this is the place for you! Deeper in is a forest trail. There's also camp grounds with areas with firepits and pavilion to host gatherings. Further in is a lake that allows fishing! No swimming or boating though. I only wish they added the slides back. The hill would make a great sledding area. read more

This is a great place to come if you want some exercise, going up and down the stairs which are really get your heart pumping then you can walk. The trails through the woods are used to come here back when the toboggan slides are actually open as a kid, it actually can get pretty busy and nice days read more

Amazing outdoor workout. I love coming here. I convince my two friends to join me for an outdoor adventure. We enjoyed being out in nature and walking the stairs. We walked along the trails which was nice. We met some very nice people along the trails. Everyone seemed so friendly. As your walking please be careful to watch where your going. A lot of horse poop on the road. We even saw Bambi (A baby deer) who popped out. Enjoyable place to come and exercise. Beautiful Scenery read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

I back here afther 2 years hick hick almost all people wear mask and we keep the area clean read more

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Swallow Cliff Woods is an amazing outdoor recreation space. When it's warm out the opportunities are endless of what you can do here. You can go up and down the stairs. You can trail through the woods.. you can walk your dog. You can people watch ... you can do almost anything here. It's an amazing place that I definitely can appreciate, being that I'm an outdoorsy person. My first time visiting here I was VERY sure of my self because I'm a very active person and I love to work out but BOY was I fooled by these stairs! These aren't your average stairs. They are not evenly placed, therefore it makes your workout more intense. Lordy was that workout intense!! I was sore for about 3 days after my workout. By the 6 or 7th time of me walking up and down the stairs my legs felt like rubber bands. I'm use to running up and down stairs and hills on a regular basis.. but this was a different beast. Swallow Cliff Woods is an amazing place to workout by yourself or with friends but as I said before, these stairs are the REAL DEAL! Climb at your own risk. I've been to these stairs about 5 or 6 times and I would definitely continue to go back ... it's good to be in good shape before trying these stairs because you will get tired very quickly otherwise. And if it's really hot outside you may want to skip it and try on a more windy day because it can get really intense and overwhelming ... trust me! I did it once on a really hot day and I was SHOOK. One thing I really like about Swallow Cliff Woods is that they have bathrooms... there have been so many times I've worked out, outside and I had to cut my workout short because no bathrooms were nearby. That can be a major distraction... but not at Swallow Cliff Woods. Not only do they have a bathroom, they have a water fountain and a cafe... the hours are limited at the cafe but when they are open they have water, smoothies and many other items available. So bring your money honey! One thing to keep in mind here is a lot of people bring their dogs. They are usually on a lease if they are big but I know not everyone is a dog person. A lot of people also bring their children so keep that in mind as well.. sometimes the stairs can become congested because of all the people there. This place is very popular so keep that in mind as well. There is a really big parking lot here but sometimes it can get over crowded as well. But no matter how crowded it gets you can usually find a parking space. Last time I visited here the bathrooms weren't as tidy as they could be but hopefully that's changed the next time I visit, because the 1st time I visited the bathrooms were clean. It may depend on the time of day you visit. Definitely check this place out when you're feeling active.. it's a great place to visit and get active! read more

Absolutely loved my 1st time here!! Nature meets outdoor healthy mind & body walking & stair climbing. Plenty of parking, excellent for you! Highly recommend!! read more

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Great amount of stairs going up and down, more than Rocky did in Philly!. I did them like 4X's without breaking a sweat, and I don't even train in doing stairs but it's fun to "challenge" yourself sometimes though at this point it was not a challenge and I realized how much in shape I was as everyone else was dying, sweating, and going slow up these stairs just one or a few times. There's alot of forest preserve paths too to explore. Cool place right near Palos Heights Bike Trail and Katherin Lake Nature Conservatory where I saw a big swan and their fam. Also by The Plush Horse Ice Cream read more

Holy goodness all that is torturous in the world! The stairs at Swallow Cliff ain't playing around! 125 stairs doesn't sound too bad but it's surprisingly rough! I workout 3-5x a week on an elliptical and treadmill yet these stairs put me completely out of breath. It's definitely a good workout! The stairs are all uneven and a bit sandy so you have to watch your step so you don't slip. Going up wasn't an issue but going down, I always held onto the rail to avoid flying down the steep stairs - I'm super clumsy! I went on a Saturday morning about 10 and it was completely packed. There are tons of men and women of all shapes & sizes working out on the stairs, so don't be intimidated. If you make it to the top, there is a path that extends into the forest which has far fewer people on it and is much more kind on the body for a nice stroll. read more

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Finally! A place to review "The Stairs", as opposed to the entire Cal Sag Trail system! The Stairs are an amazing workout. You can walk, you can run, and no matter what, the stairs will keep you working no matter what your pace. These are the stairs from the old toboggan slides that were taken down a few years back due to years of unuse. The stairs remain popular. No vending machine or store here, so bring water. And bug spray. Large parking lot provides ample parking. Open from sunup til sundown, and people are out here all year around. read more

Nice place well maintained and clean. Great for exercise or leisure walking with children.

Two sets of 100-plus step stairs & miles of rolling hills for running, hiking and biking-what's not to love? I have been a Swallow Cliff lover since visiting for some cross country training runs in high school & I still keep coming back for more 10-plus years later. I love that Swallow Cliff offers a little bit of something for everyone. There is always a big crowd of walkers, runners, and bikers yet it never feels crowded. The various trails offered provide enough variety that every walk/run/bike never gets boring. There is no place that I'd rather go on the South Side to get a little bit of fresh air, burn off some energy, and get in a great workout. The secret's out already as evidenced by the constantly filled stairs but it's still worth saying that Swallow Cliff is the best! read more

What a workout I went to this place on Sunday and today is Monday night and I am still feeling the intensity of my worker which included any each side of steps 10 times also what I liked about this is the Fantastic views that you get to admire once you get to the top you feel a sense of accomplishment this is a phenomenal place to get your workout on get your cardio on encourage other people's on their fitness journey play me photo ops plenty room for high impact or low-impact you set the tone for your Fitness pace As I was turning returning back up to do another flight of stairs one of the gentleman that worked at the park district handed me a protein strawberry banana sample which was absolutely delicious I believe he said there were $4 for a 16 oz cup a really enjoyed that sample and it gave me a little added boost I need to finish out my workout also what I saw Will Wait and a trampoline I don't know if they belong to someone but I seen several people enjoying that as well up at the top they have a hiking path that you can go along and hike for another added bonus to your workout how would definitely bring back I think the people uses facility in the winter time to to do some sledding it's free it's accessible and it was enjoyed by all read more

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I love finding spots outside of the city. My friend and I ventured here cause we heard the stairs were a killer workout. They were!!! The steps were pretty crowded and the sun was beating down on us, but it was a good workout. We also decided to do the hike which was beautifully scenic and peaceful. There were even horses on the trial. I definitely want to go back during the fall when the leaves change colors. Plenty of FrEE parking at the trials as well. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

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Love these woods trails and stairs. Wonderful way to connect with nature. Go the all the time

I go to this spot every other day to get in my floors. I love it because you can do a lap every time you get back down from the stairs, or take the trail when you get up to the stairs top! A nice temple looking wooden open space with a roof at the top of the stairs for rest and relaxation- and spying on other hikers! Haha. It's a spectators sport too! read more

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TL, DR: Steps are cool, but the MILES of easy trails are good too! Bathrooms: near the café/main parking lot, brown/yellow trail, and in smaller parking lots. The steps are obviously the biggest attraction at Swallow Cliff Woods. People go up, down, and back again. I did 3 rounds myself - they're steep, resulting in a good workout! Very cool, but I think the Stairmaster at the gym is probably safer and less hectic for me. :) I spent most of my time (3 hours, 7.5 miles) on the brown and yellow trails to 104th Street and back. I didn't look up a map, but this is a huge preserve where you can obviously spend all day and still not cover the whole place! The trails were sparsely populated (most peeps are only working the stairs!) and had good tree cover/shade. Much of the trails are crushed limestone, somewhat rocky and sandy. They are relatively flat, though some have a bit of an incline. There are groups that horseback ride. While they're great about sharing the trail, watch out for horse poop! Water fountains and the nicer restrooms are by the Vamoose Café near the main parking lot. There is a bathroom near where the brown and yellow trail fork (marked on the trail marker) and port-a-potties in the smaller parking lots. I didn't see many animals - a deer, chipmunk, and butterflies - but it was also pretty hot. I see the attraction at Swallow Cliffs Woods being primarily the steep stairs, but it's a big place with easy hiking opportunities! Enjoy that too, folks! :) read more

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"The Stairs" are great. The whole area is very clean and open, definitely well maintained. I went up and down the steps about 4 times; FYI: Wear good grippy shoes, an old pair of Vans with less than adequate tread makes for a harrowing experience especially the DOWN part of The Stairs. The day I went there weren't too many people, even if there were more the stairs would be wide enough to move about freely. My only gripe is that there's no water fountain... at least I didn't see one around. While you're at The Stairs, you should definitely go exploring! The main trail is good but, if you take the side trails you're in for a real nature treat. Side trails are pretty isolated, with all the trees blocking the road noise and the lack of people on those side trails it's great. As for wildlife on those trails, it's typical - deer, squirrel, chipmunks musically talented OR animated) and plenty of birds. There was some rustling in the brush at which point I convinced myself it was just more deer and NOT a large carnivorous creature with a penchant for disemboweling and eventually eating Filipino's... I'd definitely recommend Swallow Cliff, here's the skinny: 1- Bring water and snacks; there's no vending machines. 2- Keep your pup on a leash; it's the rule. 3- GOOD SHOES; Those steps are pretty slippery with no tread. 4- Opens at sunrise, Closes at sunset; local cops DO come after sunset to check. 5- Large field; bring a football n play a game or a blanket n have a picnic! 6- Parking is easy, plenty of spaces and several different lots to choose from. If you haven't been there; GO! I'm definitely going back for more. read more

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Key things for you to keep in mind if you're considering doing these stairs: Pace yourself, even if you're an athlete.. You'll feel it later. Take some motrin afterwards... Bring bug spray!! Don't go with a person that doesn't work out, they will irritate the heck out of you (not my work out friend, but a few that I observed really got on my nerves) It's kinda funny to march up and down some stairs with a bunch of strangers. I kinda laughed to myself at the ridiculous "follow the leader" routine we had going. Great Cardio! Did 6 laps. Doing 12 next weekend. And so on..... read more

It amazes me how many people come here on a weekday just to crowd up uneven stone stairs. If you're not here for the stairs, there are nice trails through the mosquito forest for a jog, hike, or bike ride (cross country skiing is even possibru in the winter). There are many areas for a nice picnic as well! As much as I hate to admit it, I am not an outdoorsy person because of my strong hatred towards mosquitos (especially since I am bald right meow). There aren't many forest preserves in the Chicago suburbs so I'm glad I found this one even though I hate mosquitos. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - And she's climbing the staaaairwAaay to heaven - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

On our way here we got lost but eventually found our way back. I guess we came the back way b/c there are no signs stating where to go or which turn to make. We had a distance from the car to the stairs but that was ok just more walking. So we finally found out way thanks to this couple that directed us lol. First thing the view is amazing just clear blue sky. Now these stairs isn't a joke OMG. We only did 3 down & 3 up. What amazed me was the ppl were running up & down the stairs. Overall we had a good walk & a great sweat. We'll be back. read more

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We came...we saw...we conquered THE STAIRS!!!!!!!!! No gym? No problem! This place is your ultimate outdoor workout!!! What a wonderful place to go on a nice day... there's no way I'd do this in 90 degrees, however on a NICE day...this is a great place to visit!! I'm currently working on a 90 day challenge from my gym, I exercise on the regular... 5-6 days/week. I THOUGHT my cardio was on point till I attempted these stairs, talk about feeling the burn!!! I honestly think when it comes to cardio, stairs are in their own category...nothing like reminding you that you had a dumb social smoking habit years and years ago! I learned about this place about a year ago, and I'm so glad I picked a nice Sunday morning around 70 degrees to meet my friend here to get my morning workout in! Now down to the details...you'll find plenty of parking here, I think it's "Busy" no matter what time, but the traffic is moving, just jump right in and go! Once you climb the stairs (which, by the way are oddly shaped, they are no stairwell you'd find in an office building!) you'll come to an open area where you can pace...or continue onto the walking trail through the woods, which is a pretty nice walk. I left this place getting in my 10,000+ steps, all before noon! read more

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DAMN~If you wanna sweat & feel like Rocky Balboa when you reach the top, THIS IS THE PLACE FOR YOU!!! There's a ton of gyms, teams & athletic enthusiasts that partake in this activity everyday. Some do an entire bootcamp before hitting The Stairs & it makes for a killer workout. A definite in my books! read more

Best forest preserve ever! It has hills, long trails and steps! It has big parking lots. And now they are adding a facility with bathrooms and water. Great place for good excersising and exploring nature. read more

Swallow Cliff Woods - Hiking Near Me - Palos Hills, Illinois

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There are stairs...lots of stairs.... Okay, so I get why people love this. It's pretty, it's the woods, you can park and workout in the hot heat of outsideness. Yeah. The steps are nice, but it gets crowded after a certain hour...it's also about 30 mins away from where I was in Chicago...where we passed by plenty of overpasses and nice enough looking stairs. I went up about 4 times, mostly with ease because I walk everywhere in New York, so this wasn't that hard for me. I will say because of the shock my knees were killing me after a few days. It's great if you live nearby, as there is a great trail to walk on (just douse yourself in mosquito repellent!) when you want to take a break from the stairs. There are a lot of regulars...and a lot of women with makeup on (why? you gonna sweat that of!) read more