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Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 4,242 Google reviews · Running trail in Darien, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 10 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Wildlife & plant preservation area with glacial potholes, multi-use trails, fishing & picnicking.
What runners say about Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
“The trails are well-maintained and scenic, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful nature.”
“There was a lot of direct sunlight overhead the first 2 miles then after that you head through a more shaded part, huge beautiful old oak trees and dense foliage.”
“The trails are well-maintained and scenic, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful nature.”
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.
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.
I came here to try to see the waterfalls. After walking for a while and getting further and further away from my car in the parking lot…. I had to ask someone walking along the trails. And they said they’d been walking for 3 miles only to find out it’s it’s 9 miles away from the entrance.
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.
Trail conditions & character
“There was a lot of direct sunlight overhead the first 2 miles then after that you head through a more shaded part, huge beautiful old oak trees and dense foliage.”
“There is a waterfall but it’s 6 miles in from the original loop, if you park at the Frontage road lot- or Trailhead parking lot off of I-55.”
“There is a waterfall but it’s 6 miles in from the original loop, if you park at the Frontage road lot- or Trailhead parking lot off of I-55.”
“The trails are well-maintained and scenic, surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful nature.”
“There is a waterfall but it’s 6 miles in from the original loop, if you park at the Frontage road lot- or Trailhead parking lot off of I-55.”
“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.”
“It’s a very pleasant place to walk, whether with dogs, kids, or even by bike.”
“The trails are gravel, ideal for running, walking and cycling, lots of people enjoying the trails, but it didn’t feel crowded at all.”
“If you go around the entire loop + the Rocky Glen trail to see the waterfall, it's about 10.”
Plan your run at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance10 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitedupageforest.org
- Phone(630) 933-7248
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Darien
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Oldfield Oaks
4.7 ★★★★★ 134 reviews
Wooded spot featuring hiking trails, a dog park and deer sightings.
Tony and Florence Borse Memorial Community Park
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Park with grassy fields, a playground and a fitness area.
