Waterfall Glen (Chicago, Lincoln, River Forest: house, school, tornado)

[surlycue]

Hey guys, I'm a normal poster in the Chicago c-d forum but this is my first time on the 'burbs board. I searched for this forest preserve but only got brief mentionings of it. I am thinking of driving to Waterfall Glen tomorrow or Sunday from the Lincoln Park area.

I am not an avid hiker but with the weather getting hotter I think I'd like to spend an afternoon in nature before it get too warm. Has anyone here ever hiked this area? What is the length of the trail? How would you rate it as far as difficultly? I don't expect any steep inclines what with this being prairie country and all but I am still a bit of a novice and I was hoping that the area would be flat enough that I could bring my 2 year-old along. Are there any open areas along the trail that I could stop to picnic?

Thanks in advance!

[Tex?Il?]

Waterfall Glen is a gem.

The trail which basically loops around Argonne National Labs is about 9 miles. There are small places to picnic along the way. In some places the terrain will be slightly rolling.

I would give yourself the whole day and take snacks along and lots of water.

It might be a bit long for a two year old. What you might want to do is just go to the waterfall section.

For some places nearby: check out Little Red School House nature center. There might be fun stuff for kids to do.

For a nature center and a short trail closer to the city, check out the Trailside museum of natural history part of Thatcher Woods in River Forest off Chicago and Thatcher.

Thats closer and might be better for a two year old.

[surlycue]

Thanks for the advice. We might still try to go and just hit the waterfall and head back. She can definitely hang in there for 3 miles because that's what we normally do on the lakefront. 9 miles is pushing it, even for me.

[chet everett]

The waterfall itself ought to be fairly GUSHING with all of today's rain. In the summer it basically dries to almost nothing. From the roadside parking closest to the fall it is definitely an easy walk.

[Steve-o]

As others have mentioned, most of the trail is pretty easy. There are sections that run along the West side of the creek that are quite tall and have steep drop-offs, but other than that its a nice hike, lots of wildlife and flora in there.

[surlycue]

thanks guys, we are going to head over after brunch tomorrow and make a day of it.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by surlycue

thanks guys, we are going to head over after brunch tomorrow and make a day of it.

Enjoy yourselves!

[myrc60]

I never got to see it. It was closed for sometime after a tornado went through the park and I didn't know how to get there; no one ever showed me. Will you post pics?

[surlycue]

^^Sure thing. You've given me the motivation to charge my camera battery

[myrc60]

Originally Posted by surlycue

^^Sure thing. You've given me the motivation to charge my camera battery

That's what I was hoping for. Thanks!