Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve - Darien, Illinois

Discover the Natural Beauty of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Nestled in the serene town of Darien, Illinois, at Northgate Rd, Darien, IL 60561, United States, lies Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, a gem of nature that combines the tranquility of a forest with the thrill of outdoor adventure. This Preserve is not just a place to visit; it's an experience that promises to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Location and Contact Information

For those looking to plan a visit, the address is Northgate Rd, Darien, IL 60561, and you can reach out via phone at 630-933-7248. The Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve also maintains a dedicated website at dupageforest.org/Conservation/Forest_Preserves/Waterfall_Glen.aspx, which offers detailed information about visiting hours, activities, and more.

Key Features and Accessibility

This nature reserve, park, and garden is a baker's dozen of attractions for nature lovers and families alike. Here are some of its standout features:
- Wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of nature.
- A variety of hiking trails perfect for both leisurely walks and more strenuous hikes.
- Picnic tables where you can enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
- A public toilet for convenience.
- Kid-friendly hikes that are both safe and educational for children.
- Dogs allowed on leashes, making it a great spot for pet owners to enjoy outdoor activities together.

Specialties and Visitor Experience

Waterfall Glen stands out for its diverse offerings:
- Nature reserve for those seeking to immerse themselves in untouched natural beauty.
- Park with ample space for recreational activities.
- Garden with its lush vegetation and scenic views.
- Tourist attraction that draws visitors from near and far.

The preserve's wheelchair-accessible features and friendly environment for equestrians make it a versatile destination. Reviews on Google My Business reveal a high level of satisfaction, with an average opinion rating of 4.6/5. Many visitors express their delight in the location's suitability for maternity photo shoots and its appeal as a place for equestrian activities.

Recommendation for Visitors

Whether you're planning a family picnic, a romantic hike, or a special event like a maternity photo shoot, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is an ideal choice. Its rich biodiversity, including falling waterfalls that give the preserve its name, coupled with its well-maintained trails, makes it a must-visit for anyone appreciating the great outdoors.

For those looking to reach out or plan their visit, don't hesitate to contact them through their website at dupageforest.org. You can also call them directly at 630-933-7248 for more information. With its wide range of activities and its commitment to accessibility, Waterfall Glen awaits to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.

Remember, your experience at Waterfall Glen could be one of those special moments you cherish forever, thanks to its nature reserve, park, and garden qualities combined with a tourist attraction vibe. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to explore this wheelchair-accessible paradise

👍 Reviews of Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Jessica C.

5/5

Came here to do a maternity photo shoot and the location certainly didn’t disappoint!! We chose Waterfall Glen because it is an equine-friendly location. I’ve been here before and had a vision of what I wanted to capture in these photos. If you’re an equestrian, I highly recommend riding these trails. They are lovely!

Roger Z.

5/5

What a lovely preserve! The waterfall is very cool in winter! Lots of dogs to watch too! The trails are well maintained and plenty wide. There is minimal elevation change but enough to get a little extra work out. I've been in summer as well and the wildflowers are very pretty. I'll try to stop in spring and check out the ephemerals.

Leticia B.

5/5

There is a small waterfall but with a relaxing view. I think that during the summer it will be amazing to explore and enjoy.

Stephanie P.

5/5

First time out to this trail, after many great reviews and doable travel time- it was easy access off I-55 and 294S, 30 mins from the city on a Saturday afternoon. The trails are gravel, ideal for running, walking and cycling, lots of people enjoying the trails, but it didn’t feel crowded at all. There was a lot of direct sunlight overhead the first 2 miles then after that you head through a more shaded part, huge beautiful old oak trees and dense foliage. There is a waterfall but it’s 6 miles in from the original loop, if you park at the Frontage road lot- or Trailhead parking lot off of I-55. There is also a Lamont Rd parking lot, which would be about 3 mile start from the waterfall- definitely trying that next time. A nice getaway from the city, quiet peaceful nature and blue skies.

mc S.

5/5

Trails on limestone and turf covered routes for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Leashed dogs are allowed. Fishing (with a license), too. Some benches are available. Bathrooms and parking are also available.

Maulik D.

5/5

This place i e always one of my my favorite place to go for a walk. Main trail here is 9.5 miles long.

Ty S.

5/5

The hiking trails are excellent. The main loop is a 9.5 mile trail. The hike has plenty of shade and consists of forest, prairie, and marshland. The trails are well maintained. The waterfalls are average. They are probably the best waterfalls you can find this close to Chicago. However, there are much better waterfalls in Starved Rock and Matthiessen. Great park all around.

B R.

5/5

One of my favorite places. During the summer, it can get quite busy and crowded, but in the early morning or later, it isn't as bad. Also, once you go further down the path away from the waterfall, it isn't as congested. If you want to see the falls ragging, make sure there has been rain as it can dry up pretty quickly and not be as dramatic.