Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in DuPage County, Illinois is a local favorite preserve in all seasons. We usually visit in the summer months, so for a change, we seized upon a glorious and sunny fall day for a visit. This was the first time that we saw the preserve after the leaves had fallen. The preserve's treasures were definitely beautifully draped in the gold of the fall sun!
Waterfall Glen includes an impressive 2,503 acres of natural treasures. The preserve includes savannas, prairies, and maple-oak woodlands crafting a really magical blend. I think a lot of people may stop at the waterfall and miss much of the preserve. Definitely, plan time to wander the other trails.
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| Rocky Glen Falls is a tiered waterfall constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The stunning waterfall dazzles many visitors every year. |
Reminders of the Civilian Conservation Corps
While exploring Waterfall Glen, you will quickly note that the tiered Rocky Glen Falls is an explorer favorite. Many hikers pause by the falls and children enjoy a little splash. Even the pups get into the action! Rocky Glen Falls was created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. While this waterfall is not natural, the cascade easily captivates. I have heard that there is a natural falls hidden somewhere in the preserve. I have yet to locate it but would like to explore a little more.
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| Remnants of a stone fireplace at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve remind us of the contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps and adds an interesting element. |
Reminders of the CCC can be found elsewhere within the preserve. We found a really cool remnant of a fireplace while hiking. Viewing through the hole, we could see beautiful fall leaves framed! Seeing the ruins provides a reminder to slow down and observe. Our preserves are full not only of natural treasures but reminders of our human past. Slow down a bit and see what you discover.
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| Boulders and fall leaves littered Sawmill Creek creating a scene full of natural interest. |
We enjoyed tracing Sawmill Creek for a while. Nature crafted some truly striking scenes with the creek full of a variety of weathered boulders of all sizes. We traced the creek as far as we could. At times, the trail disappeared on us under fall leaves. But, we would soon find it again.
Spectacular Bluff Views
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| Deep browns, straws, burned oranges, and umbers covered the slope of the fall bluff. |
After tracing Sawmill Creek, we hiked up the bluff pausing in spots to soak up views. 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. There is a specific scenic overlook that is not to be missed -- the view is incredible. 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.
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| Slopes full of brown fall leaves as trees rise above populate the bluffs. |
Native Americans once lived along the limestone bluffs of the preserve. By the late 1800s, a sawmill was built on Sawmill Creek and churned out lumber. Limestone quarries were nearby. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve was cobbled together as more and more acres were acquired. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps made improvements. We often pause at a section of the bluff slope near the waterfall where rocks rest in slabs. At that spot, I wonder who has been here before.
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| 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. |
The preserve contains almost 11 miles of crushed limestone and turf trails. Designated trails can be enjoyed by hikers, horseback riders, and bicyclists. In the winter, some trails are groomed for cross-country skiing. Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve offers a fantastic choice for opting outside in all seasons!
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