These 9 Hidden Waterfalls In Illinois Will Take Your Breath Away

Discover nine hidden waterfalls in Illinois that offer beautiful and unique hiking experiences.

Not all that's beautiful lies in plain sight, like these nine hidden waterfalls in Illinois. You may expect only to find such things in mountainous regions. In fact, many people may not realize there are waterfalls in Illinois. If you've ever wondered, "What Illinois waterfalls are near me?", you may be surprised to learn that there are some really wonderful waterfalls in Illinois. Here are nine of the best waterfalls in Illinois:

1. LaSalle Canyon - Starved Rock State Park, Utica

If you're looking for things to do in Illinois, hiking to one of the canyons at Starved Rock State Park is always a good idea. LaSalle Canyon, pictured here, has an impressive waterfall that you can even walk behind.

2. Burden Falls, Pope County

Located within Burden Falls. Wilderness, this waterfall may be small, but it's sure one of the prettiest hidden gems in Illinois!

Zone out to this relaxing video of Burden Falls in all its glory!

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3. Cave Falls, Utica

Located within Matthiessen State Park, this waterfall is a lovely sight to behold.

4. Kinkaid Lake Spillway, Murphysboro

Located at the end of Kinkaid Lake, this spillway forms a pool and is a popular swimming hole during the summer.

5. Waterfall Glen, Lemont

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve is one of the most impressive hidden gems in Illinois with a beautiful waterfall you can hike to.

This video shows off the beauty of Waterfall Glen very well, and in stunning 4K

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6. St. Louis Canyon Waterfall - Starved Rock State Park, Utica

St. Louis Canyon's waterfall is spring-fed and one of the longest-lasting falls in Starved Rock State Park.

7. Hennepin Canyon - Starved Rock State Park, Utica

The waterfall at Hennepin Canyon is dependent on the rain, but when it's flowing, it's quite lovely. And if you're looking to go hiking in Illinois, the trail to the canyon is 3.1 miles from the Visitors Center.

8. Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville

At Ferne Clyffe State Park, you can take a hike past fascinating rock formations and eventually come to a gorgeous waterfall. Hiking in Illinois doesn't get better than this!

9. Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve, South Elgin

Located within the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve is this waterfall known as Blackhawk Waterfall, one of the most beautiful hidden gems in Illinois.

Many hidden waterfalls in Illinois are quite easy to access - and some of the best waterfalls in Illinois even have swimming holes! If you've searched for "Illinois waterfalls near me," now you know there are quite a few. Have you visited any of these waterfalls? Do you have some other favorites that we may have missed? Let us know!

Want to step up your hiking game? Check out AllTrails+, which is so awesome you'll wonder how you ever went without it!

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