Swallow Cliff trail is a popular hiking trail located in Palos Forest Preserve in Illinois. It offers beautiful scenic views and a great workout. Many hikers wonder, how long is the Swallow Cliff trail? Let’s take a closer look at the length and features of this picturesque trail.
Overview of Swallow Cliff Trail
Swallow Cliff trail is located around 30 miles southwest of Chicago in the Palos Forest Preserve. The trailhead is near the Sag Valley Trailhead parking area off LaGrange Road. The main feature of the trail is the iconic Swallow Cliff staircase. This staircase has over 160 stairs carved right into the cliffside and leads up to great views at the top.
The Swallow Cliff trail forms a 2.4 mile loop. It combines the Swallow Cliff staircase with additional winding trails through the forest and along the top of the bluff. The terrain includes rocky stairs, dirt trails, exposed bluffs, and wooded areas. The staircase section has metal handrails installed.
The climb up and down the Swallow Cliff staircase provides an excellent cardio workout. The stairs are steep and physically demanding. The trail also includes some moderate hills throughout the wooded areas. Hikers should have a moderate level of physical fitness. There are a few benches along the way to take breaks.
Length of the Main Loop
The main Swallow Cliff loop trail measures 2.4 miles for the full circuit. This includes the 0.2 mile staircase section. So excluding the stairs, the loop trail distance itself is approximately 2.2 miles.
Most hikers choose to complete the full 2.4 mile loop. This allows you to experience all the diverse scenery, from the forested hills to the bluff-top views. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours to complete the loop at a comfortable pacing with photo stops.
Section Distances
Here is a breakdown of the approximate distances for each section of the Swallow Cliff trail loop:
Section | Distance |
---|---|
Trailhead to Stairs | 0.4 miles |
Swallow Cliff Staircase | 0.2 miles |
Stairs to Bluff Trail | 0.3 miles |
Bluff Trail Loop | 1.2 miles |
Return to Trailhead | 0.3 miles |
Total Loop Distance | 2.4 miles |
As you can see, the longest segment is the 1.2 mile Bluff trail which runs along the top. The iconic staircase itself is quite short at just 0.2 miles total. But it still provides a good cardiovascular challenge climbing up and down the steep stairs.
Elevation Change
In addition to distance, many hikers are also curious about the elevation change on Swallow Cliff trail. From the trailhead, you gain over 200 feet of elevation climbing up the staircase and bluff trail. Then it descends again on the return loop.
The staircase gains about 140 feet over its 0.2 mile distance. The long stairway is extremely steep! The remainder of the trail has rolling hills, but no significant climbs. The bluff-top section stays relatively flat and wide.
While the total elevation gain may not seem huge at just over 200 feet, the steepness of the climb up the stairs gets your heart pumping. Make sure to take it slow on the stairs if you need a break. Descending the stairs also requires caution.
Difficulty and Conditions
The Swallow Cliff stairs are the most challenging section of the trail. This staircase climb tests your endurance and leg strength. Make sure to use the handrails for stability. Go slow and watch your footing on the way down. The rest of the trail is moderately strenuous with some hills and narrow spots.
The trail can be accessed year-round. But conditions vary by season. Summer heat can make the climb more tiring. The stairs may be slippery in winter if icy or snow-covered. Autumn offers pleasant hiking conditions and great colors in the changing leaves.
Overall, the trail is rated moderate difficulty due to the demanding stairs. Make sure you have appropriate footwear with good traction.Trail maps are posted at the trailhead and intersections. Stay on marked paths as some areas have steep drop-offs.
History of the Trail
The Swallow Cliff trail has an interesting history. The iconic staircase was originally built in 1907. It was constructed by an entrepreneur named Elliott Donnelley who owned the land at the time.
The stairs provided access to picnic grounds he developed on top of the bluff. They allowed Chicago residents to easily reach the scenic views. The staircase proved very popular and helped attract visitors to the area.
In the 1920s the land was sold to Cook County to become part of the new Palos Forest Preserve. The stairs and trails were repaired by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. They rebuilt sections with concrete and the current metal railings.
Today the trail sees over 100,000 hikers per year. The scenic staircase remains the big attraction. So next time you hike Swallow Cliff, imagine yourself climbing the same iconic steps as visitors did over 100 years ago!
Tips for Hiking Swallow Cliff
Here are some tips to help you prepare for and enjoy your hike on the Swallow Cliff trail loop:
- Wear sturdy shoes with good traction as the stairs can be slippery
- Bring plenty of water – the stairs are strenuous
- Watch your footing and use handrails when climbing or descending the stairs
- Allow enough time, 1.5 – 2 hours, to complete the full loop
- Bring a camera for great photos from the scenic bluff
- Arrive early on nice days as parking at trailhead fills
- Be prepared for crowds on the trail, especially on the stairs
- Carry a trail map as some sections have forks
- Stay on marked trail and away from steep dropoffs
Conclusion
The Swallow Cliff trail loop offers a scenic and invigorating hike just outside Chicago. The iconic staircase delivers a heart-pumping climb with great views at the top. While not overly long at 2.4 miles total, the trail provides a good physical challenge and captivating scenery.
The steep staircase is the signature feature, but nice wooded hills and bluff-top views make the whole loop enjoyable. With its unique history and landscape, Swallow Cliff trail is a must-do hike for any Chicago hiker.