Are dogs allowed on Swallow Cliff North Stairs?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Swallow Cliff North Stairs but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Swallow Cliff North Stairs?

No, Swallow Cliff North Stairs does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Swallow Cliff North Stairs?

Swallow Cliff North Stairs is rated moderate. It is 0.2 miles long with 98 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Swallow Cliff North Stairs suitable for kids?

Yes, Swallow Cliff North Stairs is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See Illinois trail conditions

ModerateLoop

Illinois

Swallow Cliff North Stairs

Palos Heights, Illinois

0.2 mi

Distance

98 ft

Elev. Gain

Est. Time

Loop

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

It is best known for its demanding stair workout. The Civilian Conservation Corps built 125 stairs to the top of a toboggan run at Swallow Cliff North in 1930. Stair climbers build piles of pebble at the top of the stairs to keep track of their trips. The Cook County Forest Preserve was able to add 168 more stairs because of its increasing popularity. The bluff has more landings because it is slightly west of the other set. The bluff is still an active sledding hill during the winter. The stairs are salted.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:186 ft

Max:216 ft

30 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Loop
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.