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.
If you love the outdoors, these incredible paths will take you to something that’s absolutely worth the journey. Scroll on for more details.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Spanning 2,430 acres, this lovely, lesser-known 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 here.
Located near Godfrey, this 2.8-mile hike is also a loop, and it leads to a marvelous waterfall that is surrounded by the forest. The entire walk is filled with beauty, culminating in this fairy-tale-esque falls.
Located at Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, this 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.
Also located at Starved Rock, this shorter, 1.7-mile loop trail 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 here.
Situated within Giant City State Park in the Shawnee National Forest, this simple little waterfall is located along a 10.7-mile 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.
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.
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.
For more fun in the sun, check out these 10 amazingly free outdoor activities in Illinois you can’t afford to miss.
What other waterfall trails do you enjoy hiking in Illinois? Share your favorite spots with us below in the comments.
