Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

One of the best trials for walking with family, pets, fishing, picnic, photoshoot. This is a family friendly forest preserve with a small waterfall. It would be much better if you visit during the days when there is water flow. Kids will enjoy. Lot of parking space. Restrooms available. Not much crowded. No need to get tickets, it is free.

This is a regular nature walk my girlfriend and I take for an exposure to nature while not being a difficult hike to reach a beautiful waterfall ❤️ A great place to take the kids, let your dog play in the water, and we even saw people taking wedding/pregnancy pictures! The small hike takes about 10-15 minutes depending on pace from the parking lot that has ample parking.

Really beautiful walking hideaway we sid the full 9.5 mile walk around the park! Takes about 3.5 hours if you are on an average pace.

Waterfall Glen is a massive and beautiful Forest Preserve. If you go around the entire loop + the Rocky Glen trail to see the waterfall, it's about 10.5 miles total. The trail was crushed limestone throughout and in great condition. I went on a gorgeous Sunday morning in April as soon as the Preserve opened, and it was already busy! There were a ton of bikers and runners/joggers, but the trail is wide enough to accommodate the number of people on it. The waterfall was beautiful, as well as the scenic overlook. If you park in the main parking lot and follow the main trail, it's about 6 miles from the trailhead. There's also a parking lot much closer to the waterfall. If you go around the full loop, there's a few road crossings and some walking along the road for short stints. Cass Road was the busiest road to cross and longest crossing. Overall, this is a must visit forest preserve, whether you want an extended hike/run/bike ride, just to see the waterfall, or both!

I visited Waterfall Glen on a Sunday morning and found it lively but still peaceful. The main parking lot was not full when I arrived around 9 am. From there, I hopped onto the 9-mile loop—mostly flat with a few gentle inclines—which is great for a relaxed hike or a brisk walk. Because it was Sunday, I passed more families, joggers, and dog walkers. About two miles in, you’ll reach the little waterfall under the wooden bridge. It’s not massive, but the steady trickle over mossy rocks makes for a serene rest stop. I grabbed a bench nearby, listened to birds, and watched kids carefully toss rocks in the water. everything’s lush green! Trail markers are clear and maps are posted at each junction, so it’s hard to get lost. There’s a bathroom at the main lot and a portable one near the falls, so plan ahead if you need more than a quick pit stop. All in all, even on Sunday, Waterfall Glen feels like a refreshing escape—not too far from the city but far enough to recharge.