Attractions and Places To See around Hickory Hills - Top 8

Hickory Hills is surrounded by significant natural beauty, primarily within the Palos Forest Preserves. You can discover the expansive 15,000-acre preserve, which includes areas like Hickory Hills Woods, ideal for picnics and trail access. The region is also known for its glacial moraines, offering rolling landscapes. Specific highlights include Buttermilk Falls and Luke's Falls, both cascading waterfalls along the Lehigh River, and the scenic Lehigh Gorge Trail which follows the river.

Yes, the area offers a variety of hiking trails. The broader Palos Trail system provides over 40 miles of trails. For easy options, consider routes like the Nescopeck Ponds Loop Trail or the Fireline Trail, both listed as 'easy' in the Easy hikes around Hickory Hills guide. More challenging routes, such as the D&L Trail: White Haven to Jim Thorpe, are also available for experienced hikers, as detailed in the Hiking around Hickory Hills guide.

Cycling enthusiasts will find excellent options, particularly along the Lehigh Gorge Trail, which is a 26-mile gravel section of the 165-mile D&L Trail. This trail follows the Lehigh River, offering scenic views. You can find various cycling routes, including moderate loops like 'White Haven to Frances Walter Dam and Reservoir loop via the D&L Trail' and 'Lehigh Gorge Trail – Buttermilk Falls loop from White Haven', in the Cycling around Hickory Hills guide.

Many attractions around Hickory Hills are suitable for families. Natural sites like Buttermilk Falls and Luke's Falls are marked as family-friendly and easily accessible. The Lehigh Gorge Trail also offers a gentle path for family walks or bike rides. Additionally, the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center within the Palos Preserves provides an educational and engaging experience for children.

The best time to visit Hickory Hills for outdoor activities is generally during the spring, summer, and fall months. These seasons offer pleasant weather for hiking, cycling, and exploring the forest preserves. Fall is particularly scenic with changing foliage, while spring brings blooming wildflowers. Winter can also be an option for activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on the trails, depending on snow conditions.

While Hickory Hills is primarily residential and known for its natural areas, the town of White Haven, located at the northern end of the Lehigh Gorge, offers a glimpse into the region's history. It was instrumental in the transport of coal and lumber in the 1800s and is a popular starting point for exploring the Lehigh Gorge, which itself has a rich industrial past tied to the D&L Trail.

The Lehigh Gorge Trail itself offers numerous scenic viewpoints along the Lehigh River, with opportunities to see waterfalls and potentially wildlife. The rolling fairways of the historic Hickory Hills Country Club, shaped by glacial moraines, also provide picturesque landscapes. Exploring the various trails within the Palos Forest Preserves will lead you to many natural vistas.

Beyond the main highlights, exploring the extensive Palos Forest Preserves can reveal many hidden gems. Areas like Pulaski Woods and Saganashkee Slough offer tranquil natural settings away from more crowded spots. Maple Lake is a notable mountain bike staging area, providing access to almost 40 miles of unpaved trails that wind through diverse landscapes, perfect for those looking to venture off the beaten path.

The terrain around Hickory Hills is varied, influenced by its location on the Tinley Moraine, a hilly region formed by glaciers. Trails within the Palos Forest Preserves often feature remnants of oak-hickory climax forests, offering shaded paths. The Lehigh Gorge Trail is primarily a gravel trail, generally in good condition for most bikes and suitable for walking, following the river with gentle elevation changes.

Visitors particularly appreciate the natural beauty and accessibility of the attractions. The cascading waterfalls like Buttermilk Falls and Luke's Falls are frequently mentioned for their scenic appeal and ease of access from trails. The Lehigh Gorge Trail is highly valued for its peaceful riverside path, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and its connection to charming towns like White Haven.

Yes, the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center is a notable educational facility located within the Palos Forest Preserves. It offers opportunities to learn about the local flora and fauna, making it a great stop for families and nature enthusiasts interested in the ecology of the region.

While specific public transport details vary, many popular trailheads and attractions, such as the access points for the D&L Trail and Lehigh Gorge State Park, often have designated parking areas. For example, Buttermilk Falls is easily accessible from a nearby parking lot via the D&L Trail, and Luke's Falls is a short walk from the Rockport Parking Area.