Palos-Sag Valley Trail System: Country Lane Loop and Swallow Cliff Loop

At 15,000 acres, the Palos Preserves in southwest Cook County are the largest concentration of preserved land in the Forest Preserves. Thanks to more than three decades of habitat restoration, they also hold some of the highest- quality natural areas in the county.

Given the size of the Palos region, it’s no surprise that the trail system includes more than 26 miles of connected trail loops and segments. These trails join many popular sites, such as the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, Pulaski Woods, Saganashkee Slough and Maple Lake which is home to a mountain bike staging area that provides access to more than 40 miles of unpaved trails.

We are hiking the Country Lane Woods Loop first. Its publicized as the “Intermediate” recommended trail, about 5 miles and well maintained. The trail starts with an old gravel country lane that provides a wide path for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing or horseback riding through the heart of the preserve. Head south along the Tan Trail to the intersection with the Yellow Trail.

This ecological restoration site provides great viewing for wildlife as well as delicate woodland and prairie wildflowers. Hike around the yellow trail starting near the Cranberry Slough Nature Preserve, one of only a few peat bogs in Illinois. Then rejoin the northern portion of the Tan Trail. Head south back to your starting point. The Palos Trails offer terrific opportunities for bird watching. More than 300 nesting, migrant and overwintering bird species have been spotted in the Palos region.

https://fpdcc.com/downloads/maps/trails/english/FPCC-Palos-Trail-Map-2018-010919.pdf