Where To Go Hiking In Lemont
Visitation Prairie at Cap Sauers Holding Nature Preserve
We’re big believers in the motto: There is no bad weather, just bad clothing. The first chill may have hit but if you’re still ready to hit the trail this fall and winter, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite fall hiking trails in and around Lemont, IL.
Lemont is home to two massive Forest Preserve District trail systems: the 20.4 mile Sag Valley Trail System and the even larger 42.1 mile Palos Trail System. We’ll break it all down for you and include a few hidden gems for hikers.
Before you go:
Most of these spots are open year-round for hiking, biking, and exploring with your leashed dog. However, be sure to check the Forest Preserve of Cook County website for closures due to inclement weather.
Bring your best gear, let someone know where you’re headed, and always dress in layers. You’ll definitely feel a colder breeze by the Canal and Quarries.
Leave the trail better than you found it. Pack a small bag to dump your trash in designated areas.
1. I&M TRail, Lemont Quarries & The Forge
Get Directions
Start in Lemont Downtown at Stephen Street and head down a crushed stone trail along the old towpath of the I&M Canal. A half-mile hike takes you to the Lemont’s Heritage Quarries and The Forge, where trails are open year round for walk, run, and hike. Use the crushed limestone paths for an easy walk or hit the wooded, nature hiking trails throughout the public Heritage Quarries Recreational Area. Pick a location and make your own adventure with a day at The Forge.
Although closed for the 2022 season for climbing and zipping, you can still sign up for Fat Tire Race or Half-Marathon/Quarter-Marathon this winter for an extra challenge.
2. Swallow Cliff STAIRS
Learn More
Overlook Lemont and the Des Plaines River Valley at the top of this 100-ft high bluff and challenge yourself to a stair workout built to break a sweat. If you’re into bird watching, this is a wonderful place to watch the fall and spring migrations along the marshes and unpaved terrain.
Nordic Skiing at Sagawua Environmental Learning Center: Photo Courtesy of Forest Preserves of Cook County
3. Sagawau Environmental Learning Center
Plan your trip
Enjoy hiking, walking, and some light cross-country skiing at Sagawau Environmental Learning Center near Lemont, IL. This 2.6 Mile loop is perfect for beginners and the home to rare and unique wildlife. Before you hit the trail, attend workshops on birds, ecological restoration, and indigenous populations.
Waterfall Glen: Photo Courtesy of Forest Preserves of Cook County
4. Waterfall glen
Learn more
The 2,503-acre Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is home to 11 miles of trails for hikers, bicycles, horseback riders, campers, and waterfall enthusiasts. There are so many ways to navigate the trails and so much to do once you’re in, this is a destination you’ll want to plan for over and over again.
5. Cap Sauers Holding
Learn More
When it’s time to completely check out, head to one of the most remote hiking destinations in all of Cook County. Built by retreating glaciers, this magical land is covered in wooded bluffs, ravines, wetlands, and rare geological and ecological treasurers. An unmarked trail along a glacial esker ridge takes you to Visitation Prairie.
6. Cal-Sag Trail
Learn More
The longest continuous paved trail on our list, the Cal-Sag Trail stretches from Sag Quarries at Rt. 83 / Archer Avenue in Lemont to Freedom Park in Alsip, with plans for a complete 26 miles trail to the Burnham Greenway near the Indiana border. This beautiful, multi-use paved trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and watching wildlife, especially near Lake Katherine Nature Center. Run for a few miles or complete a marathon, this is a trail waiting for you.
The Cal-Sag Trail connects to the John Husar I&M Canal Trail and the Centennial Trail from ramps that bring trail users down from a side path along Rt. 83 / Archer Ave.
Palos Park Woods: Photo Courtesy of Forest Preserves of Cook County
7. Palos Park Woods: North & South
Learn More
A perfect 2.7-mile loop if you’re looking for a moderate challenge. Step into this popular area for birding, hiking, biking, and catching up with friends from the surrounding area. If you’re working remotely, we think this is the perfect spot to spend your lunch break stretching your legs.
8. Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center
Learn More
We’ve talked about our love for the Little Red Schoolhouse in our summer camping guide but we have to mention it again. Step into the nature center to view live animals, special exhibits, and learn a little more about nature in the surrounding area. Little Red Schoolhouse offers some of the most family-friendly hiking and self-guided trails in the area. Give your big kids some independence and easily navigate a course with littles.
Little Red Schoolhouse, Photo Courtesy of Forest Preserve of Cook County
Put on your best gear and hit the trail, folks. After you’ve explored, be sure to stop by any of the restaurants in Lemont Downtown for a hot meal and cold drink.
Follow Lemont Downtown on Instagram and Facebook @LemontDowntown or subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest on hiking, biking, and races.
