![]() The bluffs overlooking the Des Plains river and Lemont ( between mile markets 4 and 5) are impressive in that they actually exist in DuPage County, but other than that, the view is nothing special. Along the way, you’ll pass through pine woods, marshland, open fields, streams, and more. You never get bored hiking through monotonous, unchanging terrain at this preserve. Waterfall Glen has plenty of sights to keep your interest and draw you futher down the trail. However, on this hike, aside from a few road-crossings, I truly did feel as if I were away-from-it-all. This may not be the case in the winter when there is far less vegetation. I was pleasantly surprised on only two brief occasions during my entire hike did I catch a glimpse of the lab. Prior to setting out on my hike, knowing that the preserve surrounded the Argonne National Laboratory, I was a little concerned that I would be seeing too many signs of civilization. You’ll find many interesting things to see. If you are going to hike the entire trail, give yourself plenty of time (at least 3-5 hours depending on how swift-footed you are) to make stops along the way. Though the hills pose little-to-no difficulty for seasoned bikers and hikers, they can become a slight challenge the further along you go. The loop-shaped trail meanders along through hilly terrain that is uncharacteristic of the vast majority of DuPage County’s other preserves (there is an 160-foot difference in elevation between the trail’s highest and lowest points). Most traffic was in passing and did not linger, such as the occasional bicyclist or runner who passed quickly by, then soon out-of-sight. I found the trail to be a bit busy at some points (more so near trail-heads and parking areas), but not unbearably so. ![]() The trail is clearly at the top of the list for many local bicyclists and runners. ![]() It’s about as good a trail as you are going to get without it being paved. I cannot recall any significant trail defects (holes, ruts, large rocks) that would cause someone to trip or stumble. Here’s an overview and review of my visit to the preserve… The Main Loop Trail at Waterfall GlenĪll of the nearly 10-miles of main trail are meticulously maintained, consisting of leveled, crushed-limestone. I began (and concluded) my hike from the west entrance near 101st Street. On a recent Saturday morning, I made my first visit to Waterfall Glen, hiking the entirety of the main 10-mile trail. Surrounded by the cities of Woodridge, Darien, Burr Ridge, and Lemont, the preserve completely encapsulates the Argonne National Laboratory property. Bordering the southeastern edge of DuPage County, is one of the county’s largest forest preserves, Waterfall Glen. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |