Swallow Cliff Woods In Illinois Features A 100-Foot Bluff, Beautiful Trails, And Even Fitness Stairs
By Melissa Mahoney|Published July 25, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
There are plenty of outdoor adventures to be had throughout the Prairie State, places where you can enjoy both fresh air and exercise. At Swallow Cliff Woods in Palos Hills, you’ll find plenty of gorgeous scenery, wildlife, trails, a 100-foot bluff, and a challenging set of fitness stairs.
Swallow Cliff Woods is an 800-acre preserve managed by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Known for its 100-foot bluff with fitness stairs, it attracts many people who are looking for an outdoor space for a good workout.
More than 12,000 years ago, glacial meltwater carved out the 100-foot-tall bluff. In 1930, the original set of 125 limestone stairs was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps for visitors to access a former toboggan run that started at the top of the bluff.
By 2016, the Forest Preserves of Cook County added an additional 168 steps. Both sets of stairs make this a popular place for those looking for a good heart-pumping cardio workout. You can find them at Swallow Cliff North.
The trail system leads hikers through a varied landscape. You can enjoy views from atop the bluff and then head out on a trail through the forest, up and down hills, past small lakes, and through the prairie.
If you enjoy wildlife, there is plenty to be seen here at Swallow Cliff Woods. It's also a fantastic place for birding and you may be able to catch glimpses of songbirds and migratory birds throughout the preserve.
On your hike, you may also encounter an old stone shelter that can still be used in inclement weather. Swallow Cliff Woods is a beautiful and fascinating place for getting some fresh air, viewing wildlife, hiking, and getting a good workout on the fitness stairs.
Have you visited Swallow Cliff Woods? If you have, did you try the fitness stairs? Tell us about your experience in the comments. For more information on Swallow Cliff Woods, visit the Forest Preserves of Cook County website. You can also find information on the preserve’s trail system on AllTrails.
Looking for another one-of-a-kind forest preserve in Illinois? Read our coverage on Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva where you can enjoy nature, recreation, and history.
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