The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Illinois Who Loves Waterfall Hikes
Most people are amazed to learn that the Land of Lincoln is also the land of cliffs and canyons. Nature lovers know that some of the best places to go hiking in Illinois are these seven waterfall trails that are totally magical. These may be considered the best hikes in Illinois.
If you love the outdoors, these incredible paths will take you to something that’s absolutely worth the journey. Scroll on for more details.
1. Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail
Ferne Clyffe State Park, 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
Spanning 2,430 acres, the lovely, lesser-known Ferne Clyffe State Park is home to one of the most gorgeous waterfall trails in the state. The trail itself is 2.1 miles and circles around in a loop. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest near Goreville, this is certainly an incredibly scenic walk. Learn more about this state park and one of the best hikes in Illinois in our previous coverage.
2. John N. Olin Nature Preserve (The Nature Institute)
John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute), 2213 S Levis Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA
Located near Godfrey, the 2.7-mile hike along the Deer Trail Loop leads to a marvelous waterfall that is surrounded by the forest. The entire walk is filled with beauty, culminating in this fairytale-esque falls. Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Deer Trail Loop, one of the most scenic trails in Illinois.
3. Sandstone Point Overlook Trail
Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Located at Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, the Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail is a very popular trail for all sorts of activities. Visitors do love to come for the natural wonders though. Rock formations, cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls abound on this 4.3-mile loop trail. Visit AllTrails to learn more about this hike at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois.
4. Lover's Leap Overlook Trail
Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Also located at Starved Rock, this shorter, 1.7-mile Lover's Leap Overlook Trail is a loop that goes by much more than waterfalls. Enjoy scenic views of the Illinois River as you traverse the boardwalks and dirt paths. Learn more about this lovely trail, one of the most scenic hikes in Illinois, by reading a previous article.
5. Red Cedar Trail
Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Situated within Giant City State Park in the Shawnee National Forest, a simple little waterfall is located along the 10.8-mile Red Cedar Trail. Located near Makanda, the trail loops around the forest bringing you out to some amazing rock formations you'll want to have your camera ready for the whole time. It's one of the best hikes in Illinois. Head to AllTrails to view a trail map.
Located in the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve near Willowbrook, this 9.3-mile loop trail is worth every step. It's best during the warmer months when this waterfall looks amazing. Fairly easy to navigate, this is a great long-distance hike for the whole family. Visit AllTrails to learn more about this hike at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve in Illinois.
7. Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail
Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
This short, two-mile loop trail is the most popular hike to take at Matthiessen State Park, and you can see why. This amazing waterfall drops over a cliff and has an amazing bridge above it for even better views. In total, the state parks takes up 1,700 acres, but it is often overlooked for nearby Starved Rock. Visit AllTrails to learn more about this hike at Matthiessen State Park in Illinois.
What other waterfall trails do you enjoy hiking around the state? Do you have any other best hikes in Illinois to share? Tell us your favorite spots below in the comments.
Address: Waterfall Glen, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
Address: Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Address: Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute), 2213 S Levis Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA
Address: Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: Ferne Clyffe State Park, 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Illinois
April 05, 2022
Melissa M.
What are some of the easiest hikes in Illinois?
Not all of us can do or even have time for a long hike, so let’s look at some that are shorter and easier. Head to Bloomington and take a stroll along a portion of the Constitution Trail, a paved pathway that will take you through parks and neighborhoods between Bloomington and Normal. The Rocky Bluff Trail in Makanda is only 1.5 miles and leads to a spectacular waterfall. You can learn about these hikes and more in this article.
What are the best road trips to take in Illinois?
Road trips are always filled with new experiences and adventures! Head out on one of our 9 Inexpensive Road Trip Destinations In Illinois and spend the day at places like Casey to view some of the world’s largest objects and Galena, among others.
What are the best campgrounds in Illinois?
If you enjoy the great outdoors, chances are you enjoy camping. We have compiled a list of 15 Amazing Camping Spots In Illinois to help you plan your next outdoor adventure.
Address: Waterfall Glen, Lemont, IL 60439, USA
Address: Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA
Address: Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute), 2213 S Levis Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA
Address: Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
Address: Ferne Clyffe State Park, 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
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An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
