Swallow Cliff is a historic landmark located in Palos Forest Preserve just south of Chicago. The cliffs and surrounding woods have been a popular spot for hiking, climbing, and exploration for over a century. However, in recent decades, safety concerns led to the closure of the most hazardous parts of Swallow Cliff.
History of Swallow Cliff
Swallow Cliff gets its name from the thousands of cliff swallows that nest in the sheltered crevices along the limestone cliffs. The area was formed over 12,000 years ago by the retreating Wisconsin Glacier which left behind a terminal moraine ridge dotted with kettle lakes and exposed limestone bedrock.
The cliffs and wooded hills have attracted adventurous locals since the late 1800s. One of the first recorded climbs was in 1891 when a group from the Chicago Alpine Club ascended one of the cliff walls. In the early 1900s, Swallow Cliff became a popular spot for Boy Scout expeditions and was called the “Little Grand Canyon of the East”. The Civilian Conservation Corps built stairs and trails throughout the 1930s to provide access and prevent further erosion damage.
Closure of Original Cliffs Area
By the mid-1900s, the increased popularity and unrestricted access began to take a toll on the landscape. Erosion increased and injuries became more frequent on the unstable cliffs. In 1963, the Cook County Forest Preserve District closed off access to the hazardous Original Cliffs area to protect both the public and the natural features.
This closure included the iconic Swallow Cliff stairs and viewpoint. The tall cliff walls and uneven rocky surfaces had become too dangerous for public access. There were too many injuries from falling rocks and climbers getting stuck on steep pitches beyond their abilities. Closing this section helped refocus efforts on building sustainable trails and outlooks in safer areas.
Reasons for Closing Original Cliffs
- Frequent injuries and need for technical rescues
- Severe erosion and damage to cliffside habitat
- Limited budgets for repairs and upgrades
- Risk and liability concerns
The Original Cliffs area has remained closed to the public since the 1960s. Alternative viewpoints and trails were developed in adjacent areas to provide safe recreation opportunities while protecting the natural landscape.
Current Status of Swallow Cliff Preserve
Today, Swallow Cliff remains a popular forest preserve offering over 130 acres of scenic trails and outlooks. However, the hazardous Original Cliffs area is fenced off and entry is prohibited for safety reasons. Other cliff areas have also been closed over time when they were deemed too unstable or at risk of overuse damage.
While the closure of the historic Original Cliffs was disappointing for many, it enabled the overall Swallow Cliff landscape to be better protected. New stairs, trails, and outlooks were constructed in safer areas in the 1990s and 2000s, providing sustainable access while preventing injuries.
What’s Open at Swallow Cliff
The following cliff areas and features are open to the public currently:
- West Trail – 1.5 mile loop with canyon outlooks
- South Trail – 1.2 miles along moraine ridge
- East Trail – 0.8 mile hike with lake views
- Swallow Cliff Overlook – panoramic cliff views
- Indian Cliff Overlook – high cliff outlook
Well-marked trails, stairs, guardrails and warning signs help maintain safety for the 300,000 annual visitors. While the hazardous Original Cliffs will remain off limits, there are still plenty of beautiful vistas and woodland paths to explore.
Timeline of Key Events
Here is a timeline highlighting the history and closure of the Original Cliffs area at Swallow Cliff:
Year | Event |
---|---|
1891 | First recorded climb by Chicago Alpine Club |
Early 1900s | Swallow Cliff gains popularity for hikes and climbs |
1930s | Civilian Conservation Corps builds trails and stairs |
1963 | Original Cliffs area closed by Cook County Forest Preserve |
1990s to 2000s | New trails and outlooks constructed in safe areas |
Present Day | Original Cliffs remain closed, other areas open for recreation |
Future Outlook
While the Original Cliffs area is likely to remain closed indefinitely due to safety concerns, the surrounding Swallow Cliff landscape offers plenty of opportunities to experience the natural beauty and history of the area. Ongoing preservation efforts focus on:
- Maintaining safe trails, signs, and access points
- Stabilizing erosion-prone areas
- Protecting sensitive cliffside and woodland habitats
- Developing sustainable outlooks and visitor amenities
Swallow Cliff provides an important respite from urban life as well as a glimpse into the geologic forces that shaped the Chicago region. Stewarding this unique landscape to balance access, recreation, and preservation will require continued partnership between the Forest Preserve District and the community that cherishes Swallow Cliff.
Conclusion
Swallow Cliff remains a beloved natural area in the Chicago region, however safety issues necessitated the permanent closure of the hazardous Original Cliffs in the 1960s. While this restricted access to some legendary cliff landscapes, the closure enabled improved preservation and the sustainable development of new trails, outlooks and recreational amenities.
Ongoing management focuses on balancing public access with protection of fragile resources. Swallow Cliff continues to connect thousands of visitors each year with the glacial forces that shaped the land, though under improved guidance and stewardship. The closure of the Original Cliffs preserved the area for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.