Naperville, Illinois
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve began as a small 75-acre park where the Civilian Conservation Corps built a system of tiered waterfalls. Then in 1973, the National Park Service transferred over 2,200 acres of surplus government land to the county for no cost through its Federal Lands to Parks program. Now, this large park only 20 miles outside Chicago provides thousands of people with great opportunities to enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, and bicycling on the four main loop trails, which range from two to eight miles long and meander through some of Waterfall Glen's most scenic areas. The park also has several special use areas including a field for launching model airplanes, an orienteering course, and an outdoor education camp. The preserve has a range of natural habitats with a high diversity of native plant and wildlife species.
Photo: Biking the trail at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
– NPS
