DAY HIKES
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, April 9-13, 2024
April 9-13
2-hours
$25.00
If this is your first hike of the season, please first register for the season and fill out this mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
Difficulty rating
Miles
Approx 3.5.
Terrain
A few gentle hills, mostly dirt trail and some crushed gravel.
A babbling brook follows our trail as we head to this waterfall. Spring at Waterfall Glen brings fragrant pine groves and sparking waters.
Washroom
Outside at the parking lot.
What to Bring
Water
Sunglasses/sunscreen
Camera/phone
Rainwear as needed
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots
Dress in layers for comfort
A hiking stick is helpful. I have loaners if desired
Emergency Medical Information form filled out (this is kept in your backpack, and only accessed in emergencies)
Sack lunch for an after-hike picnic
Lunch Optional
Bring a sack lunch. The picnic tables are not out yet. :) Bring a folding chair/blanket as we share lunch. I'll bring extras if you forget. 12:00-1:00.
Times
We meet by 9:50 am and begin our hike at 10:00 am to noon. As a courtesy to all women, please arrive early, as we will begin promptly and not wait for latecomers.
Let’s Fully Savor the Outdoor Serenity
We ask you kindly to silence your phones and keep conversations positive.
Weather
We have fun in all kinds of weather, so we rarely postpone. If we do cancel a hike, I will email you before 8am the morning of the hike.
You Will Learn
About local animals and wildlife.
The history of area including the Native Americans, Marquette and Joliet, Argonne Labs, and unique events from this land.
What to expect
We will follow Sawmill Creek for most of the 3 miles as it winds through mature woods, past a towering bluff and a waterfall on its way to the Des Plaines River. The beautiful trees are black and white oaks, shagbark and bitternut hickories, very old black walnuts, and Sycamores near the waterfall. We will be off the main trail and on a dirt path most of the time. There are a few hills. Most likely your hiking boots will get muddy this spring season.
During the hike, there will be a 15-minute section of the trail that is a silent walk, so that each person can more fully appreciate the sounds of nature.
Driving Directions
Address: At the intersection of Bluff Road and Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve Drive, Darien.
Do not park at the first main parking lot on the right side of Cass. Keep going about 2 miles to where the road turns left. Our parking lot is there.
Dupage Forest Preserve District
Phone: 630-933-7200
Web: www.dupageforest.com
Discussion Starter Question
Early in the spring park rangers set fire to forests. On purpose. Fire is nature’s way of recycling nutrients and enriching the soil, exposing soil to the sun in order to boost seed germination and clearing the undergrowth that could fuel destructive fires. Controlled fire has another benefit: it kills only non-native plants that are intolerant to the fire.
Don’t miss the last point. Deep-rooted native plant can withstand the heat and are not affected by fire. Their deep roots allow these resilient beauties to persevere and bloom again.
Guides
Tue-Thur: Kari
Fri-Sat: Karen, aka "Carin"
Cancellations
If you desire to cancel your day hike, you can reschedule for a different hike within seven days:
Please email hello@trailboundtrip.com, and state your name, and desired new hike day.
You will receive confirmation for this new day hike if there is room on the trip.
Refunds
Refunds are given when Trailbound Trips cancels a hike. Trailbound Trips will cancel and refund a hike for two reasons:
There needs to be a minimum of three people. You will be notified 24 hours in advance if this is the case.
The weather is dangerous, ie. lightning or a major storm. You will be notified before 8 a.m. on the day of the hike.