Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is a forest preserve in southern DuPage County, Illinois. It is known for its waterfall, which actually is a dam, which is in its ravine. The Preserve completely surrounds Argonne National Laboratory. Points of interest include: remnants of a 1900's nursery which provided landscaping to expand the lake shore between Montrose and Diversey.Harbors in.Lincoln Park''s Lake Front; and the waterfall built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. There is also a curious feature about the naming of the "waterfall" which you may be surprised to learn.
The terrain is gentle rolling to hilly. The Trail is hard packed crushed limestone, which I found totally suitable when I rode this trail earlier this year using my road bike with 25mm tires. Pace will probably be between 11-14 mph as we negotiate the terrain in small groups. The trail circumnavigates Argonne National (which is off-limits, and not visible) and is 9 miles around. I'm thinking of doing two loops- one clockwise and one counter clockwise for a total of 20 miles. However, some riders may decide to only do one loop of 9 miles.. Please bring a lock so we can lock/lash the bikes together at the top of the ravine, so that we have an easier walk down to the ravine where the waterfall is located. Hopefully there will be some autumn folliage colors!!
Please bring a snack/lunch. All riders must be vaccinated and bring a mask to wear when we congregate.
There is no formal RSVP required, but if you plan to ride, please let me know via e-mail.
My cell number on the day: 1-773-848-3008
https://www.dupageforest.org/places-to-go/forest-preserves/waterfall-glen
https://www.dupageforest.org/hubfs/Places-to-Go/Documents/Forest-Preserves/waterfall-glen-trails-guide-map-2018.pdf
Waterfall Glen is about 40 miles SW of Evanston, accessible either via Interstate 94 to Interstate 55, or Dempster to Interstate 294 to I55. When using your GPS, please Google "Waterfall Glen TRAILHEAD" or Main Parking." The main entrance is on Northgate Road. From I-55, take Cass Avenue 0.5 mile south to Northgate Road. Turn right on Northgate, and go 400 feet to the lot. I would allow about 70-90 minutes or more for the drive....check GPS early that morning for traffic conditions.
I expect to complete the 20 miles, and ravine/waterfall visit between 10:15am and 1:30 pm.
Others doing 9 mile loop will finish earlier. So plan your return trip to Evanston based on loop(s) done and traffic issues.
As of Sunday evening the forecast shows a 30% chance of rain in the afternoon , this will probably change.