Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve

Location
The main entrance is on Northgate Road, west of Cass Avenue. From I-55, exit Cass south to Northgate Road. The Outdoor Education Camp parking lot is accessed from Bluff Road (99th Street), which intersects Cass Avenue.
Darien, IL
Preserve Maps
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve map (345 KB PDF)
Waterfall Glen Trail map (320 KB PDF)
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve may be the most astonishing parcel of open space in DuPage County, if not northern Illinois. One of DuPage's largest preserves, Waterfall Glen contains 2,488 acres of some of the most diverse plant and animal populations in the area, along with some of the most rugged landscape. A popular place with hikers, cyclists, equestrians, cross-country skiers, wildlife watchers and model-aircraft enthusiasts, Waterfall Glen truly offers something for everyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Outdoor Recreation
Trails
Waterfall Glen's four marked trails range from 0.2 miles to 9.5 miles in length and meander through some of the preserve's most scenic areas. The main trail is an 8-foot-wide crushed-limestone multipurpose trail. In addition, there are many unmarked mowed-grass trails and footpaths that dissect the preserve. Feel free to hike and explore these smaller, less-conspicuous paths, but remember that they often are not linked to the main trail nor are they shown on the preserve map. Latrine facilities and drinking water are only available at the trailhead and the outdoor education camp.
Biking
Cyclists are invited to use any of Waterfall Glen's 8-foot-wide multipurpose trails, although they are asked to stay toward the outside of the trails as a courtesy to other visitors. To prevent damage to sensitive natural areas, cycling on trails less than 8 feet wide is prohibited.
Horseback Riding
In addition to the main trail loop, Waterfall Glen offers trails suitable for horseback riding throughout the preserve. Visitors with trailers should park in the designated parking bays at the trailhead on Northgate Road.
Fishing
Several old quarries scattered throughout the preserve offer still fishing waters. All persons 16 and older (except legally disabled persons) are required to have in their possession a valid Illinois sport fishing license. All anglers must follow District and state regulations.
Picnicking
Visitors are welcome to spread a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the mowed grass areas at Waterfall Glen. Ground fires are not permitted, except in the fire ring at the trailhead area.
Special-Use Areas
Outdoor Education Camp
This camp provides an opportunity for youth, Scout and school groups to discover diverse natural areas during daytime environmental education experiences.
The District provides training to leaders using the camp. The program is best suited for leaders of groups of children who are 10 - 15 years old and requires about 12 hours to complete. Call the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110 for more information.
Overnight camping opportunities for youth groups are also available. A shelter with a large grill, latrines and drinking water are provided. Youth groups are defined as recognized, nonprofit organizations. Only members of these groups, with their accompanying leaders, may camp in these areas. Camping permits and adult supervision of one leader over 21 years of age for every 10 children are mandatory for campsite use. For permit and other information, call Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Orienteering is a challenging activity that involves navigating through the outdoors with just a map and a compass. A permanently marked course is located in the northeast section of Waterfall Glen near the trailhead. Groups can borrow maps, compasses and activity sheets by calling the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center at (630) 850-8110.
Model-Aircraft Field
A large open field in the southwest section of the preserve is a popular spot for local model-aircraft enthusiasts. For more information on access to this area or use by qualified model aircraft clubs, contact Visitor Services at (630) 933-7248.
Preserve History
Before the first European settlers arrived, American Indians camped on the limestone bluffs overlooking the Des Plaines River and used a vantage point on the bluffs to communicate with each other and later with fur traders. Today, it is still called Signal Hill. Père Marquette and Louis Joliet paddled their way beneath these bluffs as they explored the Des Plaines River valley in the mid-1600s.
From 1860 through the 1880s, Sawmill Creek was the site of the Ward Brothers' sawmill. Elsewhere, quarrymen were busy plying their trade at three active quarries under the direction of builder and quarry owner Edwin Walker. Walker's quarries were known for their quality Lemont Limestone, or Athens Marble, a much-used construction material at the time. One of the most notable of Walker's projects was the Chicago Water Tower, built from limestone quarried at Waterfall Glen.
In 1907, the Lincoln Park Commission, a predecessor of the Chicago Park District, purchased 107 acres from a local landowner. A small part of the property was used as a plant nursery. Most of the land was used to gather black topsoil that would be hauled to Chicago as fill for creating the Lincoln Park area along the city's lakeshore.
The Forest Preserve District began its land purchases here in 1925. The former Rocky Glen, Old Oak Grove and Signal Hill areas were acquired from private property owners. Later, the District traded the Old Grove area to the federal government for land that connected Rocky Glen with Signal Hill. This gave the District a continuous land holding and served the federal government's purpose at Argonne National Laboratory.
Later, a great deal of land surrounding Argonne became available as federal surplus land. In 1973, the District was chosen to receive 2,222 acres that today add to the vast diversity available at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve.
Natural History
The topography of Waterfall Glen, and most of DuPage County, can be traced to one design maker, the Wisconsin Glacier. The ridges and potholes scattered throughout Waterfall Glen are a result of former ice action. Even the valley of the Des Plaines River was cut by glacial meltwaters and water draining from a postglacial lake that covered most of the Chicagoland area.
Its natural characteristics give Waterfall Glen the greatest diversity of habitat in any DuPage County forest preserve. Prairies, savannas, oak-maple woodlands and planted pine groves add to this diversity. Plant surveys by District ecologists have recorded more than 600 native plant species at Waterfall Glen. This biologically diverse area includes 75 percent of all the plants known to grow naturally in DuPage County.
Waterfall Glen is host to a bevy of wildlife that uses the preserve year-round and during migration. Records show 17 fish, 11 amphibian, 19 reptilian, 30 mammalian and more than 160 avian species.
Historical Notes
Pine Plantations
These pines were planted by Argonne National Laboratory when the federal government owned the land. Originally planted as a buffer, the trees now provide a beautiful sight and the perfect habitat for owls and other woodland animals.
Rocky Glen Area
At one time, this area encompassed the entire preserve when the original 75 acres were purchased in 1925. The picturesque waterfall, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and recently restored, is located here.
Namesake Mistake
Contrary to popular belief, the preserve was not named after the man-made waterfall in the Rocky Glen area. Instead, it was named in honor of Seymour "Bud" Waterfall, who was an early president of the District's Board of Commissioners.
Poverty Prairie
Through long-term natural-resource-management efforts, the 120-acre Poverty Prairie has developed into a stable, diverse plant community containing over 260 native species that provides habitat for wildlife such as the meadowlark, gray catbird, and western harvest mouse. The section of prairie categorized as a "dry" prairie contains, among other grasses, poverty oat grass, which gives the area its name.
Accessibility
For special accessibility needs or concerns, please contact the District's ADA coordinator at (630) 933-7683 or TTY (800) 526-0857 at least three business days in advance of your visit.