Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve can be found Kishwaukee Road in between the Chicago Rockford International Airport and the village of Stillman Valley in Ogle County.
The 60-foot high limestone cliffs that extend 800 feet along the Rock River are the preserve’s signature feature, but the area is also known for its large fields of prairie grass and wildflowers.
Founded: 2017
Address: 7901 Kishwaukee Road, Stillman Valley, Illinois, 61084
Acres: 167.2
Key amenities: Cedar Cliff is light on the amenities. There are no restrooms, shelters, playgrounds, or picnic tables. What is does have is 1.8 miles of hiking trail and scenic river views.
History: The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County acquired Cedar Cliff as a farm. In 2018, Cedar Cliff reopened as a short grass prairie habitat. An array of woodland wildflowers can be found at Cedar Cliff, including Jack-in-the-pulpit, wild geranium, sharp-lobed hepatica, bloodroot and red trillium.
For more: Visit winnebagoforest.org or call 815-877-6100.