Considered one of the best parks in the state, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a must-visit. Featuring 13 miles of trails that lead to fascinating rock formations, bluffs, canyons, and spectacular scenic overlooks, hiking here is like entering another world. Perhaps the biggest draw to the park, however, is the sheer number of waterfalls found in the many canyons. Why not spend the day exploring most, if not all?

Many of the waterfalls at Starved Rock State Park are seasonal and best seen after snowmelt or heavy rainfall. However, if you come here in winter, you may get to see a few frozen waterfalls! Are you ready for one of the best hiking adventures in the state? Let's go!
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center/Facebook
The Green Interior Canyon Trails that lead to the canyons and waterfalls begin at the Visitor Center as well as from parking lots off of Routes 178 and 71.
Kip Slaybacl/Google
1. French Canyon
Randy Hockey/AllTrails
Located just 0.4 miles from the Visitor Center is French Canyon with its lovely cascade.
2. Wildcat Canyon
Lori Sweet/AllTrails
Just one mile from the Visitor Center is Wildcat Canyon which has the tallest waterfall in the park at 125 feet. When frozen in winter, it's a popular spot for ice climbers. You can learn more about ice climbing at Starved Rock State Park in this post.

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3. Tonti Canyon
Tom Gill/Flickr
Editor's note: Tonti Canyon is currently closed. You can learn more about this closure and others around the state on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website.

Nearly two miles from the Visitor Center is Tonti Canyon with its impressive waterfall that's even more beautiful frozen in time in the winter.
4. LaSalle Canyon
Tom Gill/Flickr
You can walk behind the falls at LaSalle Canyon which is located just two miles down the trail from the Visitor Center.
5. Ottawa Canyon
Tom Gill/Flickr
Four miles from the Visitor Center trailhead is Ottawa Canyon with its stunning waterfall. Come here during the winter to see it frozen over. You can also access this canyon via a shorter trail that can be accessed from the parking lot off of Route 71. Find out more in this post.
6. Kaskaskia Canyon
Tom Gill/Flickr
One of the more impressive waterfalls, especially in winter, can be found at Kaskaskia Canyon which can be found four miles from the Visitor Center.
7. St. Louis Canyon
Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center/Facebook
St. Louis Canyon's waterfall can be accessed a couple of different ways. Either hike 1.5 miles from the Visitor Center or take a quick walk from the parking lot off of Route 178.

 

On the Starved Rock Lodge website, you can read more about the waterfalls and trails at Starved Rock State Park in Illinois.

While additional waterfalls and canyons are found within the park, the ones listed here will make for a fantastic day trip you won’t forget. What’s your favorite waterfall at Starved Rock State Park? Let us know in the comments!

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Starved Rock Waterfalls

Megan Todaro | January 24, 2023

Are dogs allowed at Starved Rock in Illinois?

For anyone wondering if dogs are allowed at Starved Rock State Park, the answer is yes. Dogs are allowed on all trails and guided hikes that are promoted through the Lodge. However, visitors should know that Starved Rock State Park does require dogs to be on a leash at all times. Dogs may not be left alone in the on-site cabins for more than two hours at a time. Check the Starved Rock Park policy for more information about bringing dogs to the park.

What state parks in Illinois are perfect for a day trip?

There are plenty of state parks in Illinois that are perfect for a day trip adventure. A few of our favorite Illinois state parks include:

  • Kankakee River State Park (Bourbonnais)
  • Starved Rock State Park (Oglesby)
  • Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry)
  • Matthiessen State Park (North Utica)
  • Rock Cut State Park (Caledonia)
  • Illinois Beach State Park (Zion)
  • Shabbona Lake State Park (DeKalb Co.)
  • Illini State Park (Marseilles)
  • Chain O'Lakes State Park (Spring Grove)
  • Pere Marquette State Park (Grafton)

 

Many of these state parks in Illinois are perfect for a day trip. Whether you want to take a hike through the woods or pack a picnic and relax, these parks are a great option for adventure.

What is the best waterfall hike in Illinois?

According to many visitors, the best waterfall hike in Illinois is Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail in Goreville. Ferne Clyffe State Park is a gorgeous park, spanning 2,430 acres in size. Within the park is one of the most beautiful waterfall trails in the state. The loop trail clocks in at 2.1 miles and offers scenery, natural beauty, and so much more. Plus, for the more adventurous souls out there, this is one waterfall hike where you can actually walk behind the waterfall itself! It doesn’t get much better than that.

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Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center, 2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA