Swallow Cliff Stairs Hiking Guide
Chicago is famously flat, which is exactly why Swallow Cliff matters. In the Palos forest preserves southwest of the city, a staircase of limestone blocks climbs a 100-foot bluff — the original 125 steps laid by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, now joined by a second, newer staircase. On a weekend morning it is full of people doing laps, and the woods around it connect to one of the biggest trail networks in Cook County.
The Route
Mapping apps list the Swallow Cliff North Stairs route at about 2.5 miles with roughly 230 feet of gain, combining the stairs with woodland trail at the top and bottom. The original stairs lead up the bluff, and a second staircase of 168 steps, added in 2016, gives a second way up or down so you can make a circuit. Many visitors simply do repeats.
History
The CCC built the original limestone stairs in the 1930s to reach a toboggan slide at the top of the bluff. The toboggan slides closed in 2004, but the stairs stayed and became a local fitness institution. The steps are uneven in height, so watch your footing, especially coming down.
The Palos Trails
Swallow Cliff connects to the wider Palos trail system, about 42 miles of mixed trails through wooded moraines, sloughs and ravines. For a longer hike, the nearby Sag Valley Yellow Trail loop runs about 8 miles. Trails are shared with mountain bikers and, on some routes, horses.
Dogs and Winter
Leashed dogs are allowed in the preserve but not on the stairs themselves, so dog owners should use the surrounding trails. The Forest Preserves of Cook County have closed the stairs in icy conditions, and the uneven stone is treacherous in winter; check the preserve's alerts before a winter visit.
Practicalities
The trailhead is at Swallow Cliff Woods North off Route 83 (Calumet Sag Road), west of La Grange Road near Palos Park. There is no entry fee for Cook County forest preserves. The lot fills on weekend mornings. Bring water, and expect crowds of runners at peak times — keep right on the stairs so people can pass.
Hiking tips for Swallow Cliff Stairs
- Use the newer staircase as your descent and make a circuit rather than fighting traffic both ways.
- Leave dogs on the surrounding trails — they are not allowed on the stairs.
- Watch your footing on the uneven limestone steps, especially going down.
- Check forest preserve alerts in winter; the stairs close for ice.
- Extend your day on the Palos trail system, with about 42 miles of connected trail.
Nearby trails to explore
- Waterfall Glen Trail
- Morton Arboretum Big Rock Loop
- Busse Woods Loop
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Swallow Cliff is where Chicago hikers train, and stair repeats are better with a partner. Use TrailMates to find Chicago hikers for a Palos workout. Download the TrailMates app to connect.