I have heard about the challenging stairs at Swallow Cliff Woods for a while. Recently, while staying at my sister’s home, I took the opportunity to tackle the challenge.

Located near Palos Park, Illinois, southwest of Chicago, Swallow Cliff Woods is a nature preserve in Palos Forest Preserves built in 1930. Within the 800 acres are 8 miles of hiking trails with 200 to 436 feet in elevation gain.

One of the most popular features, especially with fitness enthusiasts, is the stairs. Leading up to a 100-foot bluff are 125 limestone stairs of varying sizes. In 2016 another set of 168 stairs was added, creating a full circuit.

Considering myself in very good shape, I wasn’t too intimidated by the stairs. I warmed up a bit on the trails before heading to the stairs. Having previously done stair workouts, I figured I would make it up without stopping, and I did. Although I wasn’t timing myself, I scaled the stairs pretty quickly, passing a few other climbers. I admit I was a bit winded when I reached the top.

The real challenge, though, wasn’t the height or angle of incline. The limestone stairs were of varying heights, widths and depths. I never felt comfortable with the lack of uniformity, as I stumbled a few times but fortunately never fell. My descent was even more awkward.

I was happy to finally attempt and conquer the stairs, but I don’t need to do them again. I’d rather run up the grassy area if I want to do hill work. I did have a nice workout running the trails, though.

— John Wroblewski, online writer