Palos/Sag Valley Forest Preserve: Cap Sauers and Swallow Cliff Loop
As part of the larger Palos/Sag Valley Preserves, Cap Sauers Holdings and Swallow Cliff offer great hiking close to Chicago. The terrain is varied and sometimes dramatic, with bluffs and ravines, pristine oak savannas, scenic stream crossings, and one of the state's best examples of an esker.
Named after the first superintendent of the Cook County Forest Preserve District, Cap Sauers is the largest roadless tract in the county and the largest nature preserve in Illinois.
Milkweed blossom
Unfortunately, Cook County has shut down the Swallow Cliff toboggan run and will be dismantling it.
Visitation Esker
Scenic rolling terrain at Cap Sauers Holdings.
Marshy areas are common.
