waterfall glen forest preserve in darien illinois

#Waterfall glen forest preserve in darien illinois full

It is also one of Illinois & Michigan (I&M) Canal National Heritage areas.īy the late 1800s, though, the Ward Brothers’ mill was turning out lumber on Sawmill Creek, and Edwin Walker’s three quarries were yielding tons of quality limestone for projects like the landmark Chicago Avenue Water Tower and Pumping Station. In the winter, some trails are groomed for cross-country skiing.Long before Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet paddled their way through the Des Plaines River Valley in the mid-1600s, American Indians were living along the surrounding limestone bluffs, including today’s Signal Hill, which served as a communications vantage point. Designated trails can be enjoyed by hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists. The preserve contains almost 11 miles of crushed limestone and turf trails. Slabs of stone fall along the side of the bluff seemingly on a soft bed of brown fall leaves some of which pick up almost an orangish hue in the sunlight at Waterfall Glen. At that spot, I wonder who has been here before. We often pause at a section of the bluff slope near the waterfall where rocks rest in slabs. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps made improvements. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve was cobbled together as more and more acres were acquired. By the late 1800s, a sawmill was built on Sawmill Creek and churned out lumber. Native Americans once lived along the limestone bluffs of the preserve.

#Waterfall glen forest preserve in darien illinois full

Slopes full of brown fall leaves as trees rise above populate the bluffs. However, there are plenty of wonderful views along the way! Fall is pretty grand for views because you can now see elements previously obscured by leaves. There is a specific scenic overlook that is not to be missed - the view is incredible. When considering hiking at Waterfall Glen, be prepared to hike a bit up and down bluffs as well as on rocky terrain in order to best enjoy the preserve. But, we would soon find it again.ĭeep browns, straws, burned oranges, and umbers covered the slope of the fall bluff.Īfter tracing Sawmill Creek, we hiked up the bluff pausing in spots to soak up views. At times, the trail disappeared on us under fall leaves. Nature crafted some truly striking scenes with the creek full of a variety of weathered boulders of all sizes. We enjoyed tracing Sawmill Creek for a while. Slow down a bit and see what you discover.īoulders and fall leaves littered Sawmill Creek creating Our preserves are full not only of natural treasures but reminders of our human past. Viewing through the hole, we could see beautiful fall leaves framed! Seeing the ruins provides a reminder to slow down and observe. We found a really cool remnant of a fireplace while hiking. Reminders of the CCC can be found elsewhere within the preserve. Remnants of a stone fireplace at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve remind us of theĬontributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps and adds an interesting element.

I have yet to locate it but would like to explore a little more. I have heard that there is a natural falls hidden somewhere in the preserve. While this waterfall is not natural, the cascade easily captivates. Even the pups get into the action! Rocky Glen Falls was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Many hikers pause by the falls and children enjoy a little splash. While exploring Waterfall Glen, you will quickly note that the tiered Rocky Glen Falls is an explorer favorite.

Reminders of the Civilian Conservation Corps The stunning waterfall dazzles many visitors every year. Rocky Glen Falls is a tiered waterfall constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Definitely, plan time to wander the other trails. I think a lot of people may stop at the waterfall and miss much of the preserve. The preserve includes savannas, prairies, and maple-oak woodlands crafting a really magical blend.

Waterfall Glen includes an impressive 2,503 acres of natural treasures. The preserve's treasures were definitely beautifully draped in the gold of the fall sun!

This was the first time that we saw the preserve after the leaves had fallen. We usually visit in the summer months, so for a change, we seized upon a glorious and sunny fall day for a visit. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in DuPage County, Illinois is a local favorite preserve in all seasons.