Home › Illinois › Palos Park › Swallow Cliff Stairs
Swallow Cliff Stairs
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,181 Google reviews · Running trail in Palos Park, Illinois · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Swallow Cliff Stairs yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
2 flights of stairs with almost 300 steps in total, forming a loop & popular for cardio workouts.
What runners say about Swallow Cliff Stairs
“The area is well-maintained, and the sense of community among visitors adds to the positive experience.”
“Bathrooms and cafe Swallow Cliff Stairs in Illinois is a fantastic destination for both fitness enthusiasts and those who enjoy a scenic walk.”
“The paths wind through beautiful woodlands, providing a peaceful setting that makes your exercise feel more like a retreat into nature.”
Wonderful place to have nice walk, over 5 miles and more options to hike. Beautiful views, the only problem is that some young people visiting are leaving their plastic water bottles behind, so making it look dirty and not a happy sight to see water bottles and garbage all over the trails .
I enjoyed my experience and was definitely challenged with endurance and strength. Please ensure to have water and be wise with pushing yourself… Otherwise, the view is amazing, the fellow walkers and hikers are respectful of personal space, and it’s definitely a must.
Climbing up and down these stairs is quite challenging, takes a lot of endurance and muscle but at the end of your workout , it feels good that you accomplished such exercise. Nice view at the top and there’s a hiking path too.
It's really comfortable to walk around and friendly to all ages. Children also like it very much, the road is very wide, flat, very suitable for walking, hiking, but it is a little cold in winter, gloves, sunglasses, hats are ready and water.
Trail conditions & character
“Bathrooms and cafe Swallow Cliff Stairs in Illinois is a fantastic destination for both fitness enthusiasts and those who enjoy a scenic walk.”
“Bathrooms and cafe Swallow Cliff Stairs in Illinois is a fantastic destination for both fitness enthusiasts and those who enjoy a scenic walk.”
“Lots of parking always, bathrooms are located at the bottom of the stairs in a nice, new building.”
“The paths wind through beautiful woodlands, providing a peaceful setting that makes your exercise feel more like a retreat into nature.”
“Children also like it very much, the road is very wide, flat, very suitable for walking, hiking, but it is a little cold in winter, gloves, sunglasses, hats are ready and water.”
“The outdoor stairs are steep enough for a good workout but easy enough for kids and older people to make it if they take their time.”
Plan your run at Swallow Cliff Stairs
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitefpdcc.com
- Phone+1 800-870-3666
Running trails near Palos Park
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Swallow Cliff
5 ★★★★★ 11 reviews
Swallow Cliff Woods-North
4.8 ★★★★★ 518 reviews
Public park providing a restroom and picnic tables, plus trails for hiking, walking, and biking.
Teason's Woods
4.7 ★★★★★ 178 reviews
Family-friendly park with picnic tables, forested trails, and a public restroom.
Forty Acres Woods
4.8 ★★★★★ 90 reviews
Nature preserve featuring trails for hikers and runners, as well as picnic areas and horseback-riding paths.
McClaughry Springs Woods
4.9 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Nature trail system featuring a ravine and small creek amid hills and woods with picnic tables and birding opportunities.
Palos Park Woods-North
4.7 ★★★★★ 340 reviews
Large forested area offering many multiuse trails, picnic space, boating, fishing & wildlife views.