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    Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

    4.5 (162 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Audra H.

    I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place. Every time I come here I love it! It's a beautiful loop that I bike with my partner. It was a hot day when we did it yesterday but despite the heat, we had a lovely time. There's plenty of shade scattered throughout the loop. Also, the views are spectacular!! Last time I was here I saw some deer. Not this time...but we saw plenty of picturesque views. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

    View of Waterfall
    Dave C.

    There's a 9.5 mile trail that's easy to hike that circles it - many high school cross country teams train here. If you park by the waterfall, easy walk from the parking lot to see it - just under a half-mile. Can see from several angles, both above and across - with small trails from each. There's even an overlook from the main trail.

    Latrice A.

    My first time here My first time here I recently started hiking, and I love it. It's way too. Get some exercise some vitamin D to look and feel better to enjoy nature. This is definitely not a hidden gem. It was a lot of people out the day that I visited children all in the waterfall pet. So if you are gonna come, I would say, come As soon as the park opens up and enjoy your hike or your bike, I see a lot of people were biking the trail as well

    Canada goldenrod

    The trail was very pretty, lots of wildflowers on the sides of the path. The waterfall itself isn't huge, but it's very nice, and there are plenty of places to sit and relax. I think to walk to the waterfall and back took about 3 hours? Maybe more. Lots of stopping to take pictures of the flowers, so that probably added a half hour. I would definitely be ready to wear good shoes because the trail itself hurts to walk on. It's paved so it's like walking on a hard road for hours. Overall, it was a nice trail.

    Sheyenne H.

    I had a peaceful sunset walk by the water, glen and falls. The entire forest reserve has 10 miles of trail but you can opt for a shorter hike to the falls if you park by the entrance from Bluff Rd, not the parking lot on Rt. 83. The trail is wide, saw some visitors with strollers. There is an off trail track that is close to the water. Beautiful bluff

    Creek during dry season
    Samantha S.

    I went on a fall day when the leaves were just starting to turn. There were a lot of people at the waterfall location but if you head away from the falls, it's a very pleasant and quiet hike. The creek was shallow and we were able to walk around on the larger rocks without getting wet. Saw a snake and lots of

    Alexandra A.

    I wish I would have known about this forest preserve waaaaay sooner - it is absolutely beautiful! Lots of pine trees and greenery everywhere. The waterfall is breathe taking. The trail is about 9 miles total, it's a great place for a run/walk. I didn't see any bikers so I'm not sure if that's allowed. I really liked this spot - a nice place to take a break from all the chaos and just be one with Mother Earth and nature.

    Map
    Maria L.

    Illinois has plenty of lovely parks, preserves and hiking areas and Waterfall Glen is definitely a spot to visit for a day outdoors. The full loop is over 9 miles but you can walk as little or as much as you like. It's a pretty leveled walking path with many areas shaded by a canopy of trees. My only gripe about the loop is there are a few sections that require you to cross busy streets and It would be nice if there was an underpass or pedestrian bridge. There may be better times a day to visit where this isn't much of an issue. The highlight of this trail is the Rocky Glen waterfall and mini trail along the creek. This is where you want to rest, have a picnic and watch birds soar above.

    Waterfall
    Brie G.

    Great spot to hike/walk in winter! The parking lot is a bit small, though, so prepare to walk in from the street if it's a busier time of day. When we went, the entirety of the main trail was iced over, so break out the grippy boots! We walked along the sides and got around fine. Beware knit gloves! Pup friendly and easy to stay socially distant. If you bring the kids or those with small bladders, there are bathrooms inside reserve by the circle drive / parking lot. There is signage at the trail head and along the way to guide you to the waterfall, but know that it isn't very far at all. I'd say easy for all to get to (unless you're unable to walk and in a chair of some sort). The waterfall itself is beautiful and worth the walk! I heard that in the summer you'll see people on and around it. I bet that's refreshing! We were able to park on the circle drive / parking lot and hope you get a good spot, too.

    Main path.
    Siobhan D.

    The main trail is pretty standard and spacious enough to allow social distancing, and we found a few smaller trails off into the woods where we found snakes and frogs, so that was fun. We passed a few swampy areas and marshy bits. The hike from our parking spot to the actual waterfall was going to be 3 miles, or 6 round trip. We didn't see the falls today as we got tired and it started to rain. They looked pretty cool in the photos. The path is smooth and easy to navigate, but we did have to cross two major busy roads on the path, so be prepared for that. The parking is free. The lot is "reserved for DuPage County residents only". We found a spot on the side of the road. It was really, really heavily populated today with walkers and bikers. We were able to maintain social distancing and we brought our masks. Restrooms are closed due to COVID precautions, so be prepared.

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    4 years ago

    Fantastic walking experience! DuPage does a great job of maintaining their forest preserves

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    Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

    How long is the hike?

    The wonderful thing about this is that there are sooo many different pathways that you can take. There's options for very short hikes, or longer. It just seems to be a matter of where you enter and what the map says before you decide your route :)

    Taking the grandkids who want to see the waterfall. Not sure the little ones can handle a very long hike. Which parking lot would it be best to park at off Lemont road or Cass ave to get to the waterfall the quickest?

    I know this is a 4 year old question & the grandkids are likely not so little anymore! But for those who may be wondering the same thing: To reach the Rocky Glen waterfall… Read more

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

    I enter off Bluff Rd (west of 83, east of Cass) and head towards RT 83, mowed grass.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - parks - Updated June 2026

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