Home › Illinois › Palos Park › Swallow Cliff Woods-North
Swallow Cliff Woods-North
4.8 ★★★★★ 518 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 Woods-North 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.
Public park providing a restroom and picnic tables, plus trails for hiking, walking, and biking.
What runners say about Swallow Cliff Woods-North
“Trails are clearly marked, yellow is gravel and well maintained, areas of incline and interest.”
“Beautiful any time of year and so many options for short and long walks/runs/bike rides.”
“I been coming here for years and it’s a peaceful place to walk.”
This area is popular for a reason. The trails are beautiful and well kept. Ups and down on slight hills. A few bridges. Lots of creeks. I saw a gorgeous horse with its rider. Oh and a blue Jay! That was cool. When it's humid or after a rain just be prepared for mosquitoes.
10/10 recommend these trails and the stairs! Beautiful any time of year and so many options for short and long walks/runs/bike rides. Depending on your child(ren) and stroller, it's definitely an option to use it though the ride is bumpy and sometimes muddy.
Hiking through the trails is relaxing and peaceful. Overall it’s clean and great to get some steps in while enjoying nature
O M G ! Spells Amazing! I love the view, I love the wonderful people and most importantly. I love the stairs, did you know stair climbing is better than jogging? I love cardio fitness this is my new second home.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful any time of year and so many options for short and long walks/runs/bike rides.”
“Trails are clearly marked, yellow is gravel and well maintained, areas of incline and interest.”
“The trail system is huge and there’s multiple parking lots where you can jump onto the yellow and brown and red trails at different points, I recommend it!”
“There are 2 Porta John's at the lot as well that are always well kept.”
“This set of exercise stairs is accessible year round and has a way to tally the number of times you complete the stairs at the top.”
“I been coming here for years and it’s a peaceful place to walk.”
Plan your run at Swallow Cliff Woods-North
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
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- 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 Stairs
4.8 ★★★★★ 3,181 reviews
2 flights of stairs with almost 300 steps in total, forming a loop & popular for cardio workouts.
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.