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. But savvy nature lovers know that some of the best hikes in Illinois often lead to the most beautiful rewards… like the many magnificent hiking trails in Illinois with waterfalls! While all of the Prairie State’s waterfalls are worth a visit, these scenic waterfall hikes in Illinois are particularly magical. The next time you’re craving some time in the great outdoors, these incredible trails will take you to some of Illinois’ best and most beautiful waterfalls.

Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL, USA

Facebook/Illinois Department of Natural Resources

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. This state park is also home to another one of the best hikes in Illinois, so be sure to check this one out too while you're here!

John M Olin Nature Preserve (Nature Institute), 2213 S Levis Ln, Godfrey, IL 62035, USA

AllTrails/Renee Wilmesherr

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. This is definitely one of the most scenic trails in Illinois!

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

AllTrails/Jessica Utter

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. There are oodles of gorgeous trails here, so start planning your next hike at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois soon!

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

AllTrails/Derick Smith

Also located at Starved Rock, this shorter, 1.7-mile Lover's Leap Overlook Trail is a loop that goes by much more than just waterfalls. Enjoy scenic views of the Illinois River as you traverse the boardwalks and dirt paths. There's countless reasons why we think this is one of the most scenic hikes in Illinois!

Giant City State Park, 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958, USA

AllTrails/jason mcfarlane

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 and plan your hike.

Waterfall Glen, Lemont, IL 60439, USA

AllTrails/Adam J

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.

Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

AllTrails/Tonya Boyd

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 get more details about this hike at Matthiessen State Park.

So, next time you’re searching for “hiking trails near me with waterfalls,” see if one these fit the bill! Did we list some of your favorite waterfall hikes in Illinois? Do you know of any other easy hikes in Illinois with waterfalls that we should check out? Let us know! But before you tackle any of the above trails, be sure to grab a map app to stay heading in the right direction. Stay safe out there!

Next, for more fun in the sun, check out these awesome free outdoor activities in Illinois you can’t afford to miss.