The Stunning Top-Secret Natural Spring in Illinois Nobody’s Ever Heard of

When visiting waterfalls in Illinois, explorers are spoiled for choice. There are so many great cascades in this state, ranging from powerful gushers to quiet little streams, with some being only a few minutes' hike and others taking a challenging journey. But for all the famous waterfalls in Illinois, it surprised me to discover that there are some that most people don't know about at all! One such waterfall can be found on the Red Cedar Trail in Giant City State Park - and this hidden waterfall in Illinois is so secret that it isn't even on a marked trail! Yes, to find this little magic spot, you'll have to wander off the beaten path on this 10.8 mile trail and enter the unknown - with a beautiful sight awaiting you.

The Red Cedar Trail is a mighty hike, coming in at 10.8 miles and netting a moderate rating. It's a beautiful, rustic trail filled with rock formations and high trees, making it a stunning hike during most of the year. Dogs are welcome if they're on a leash.

The trail itself is an impressive experience - but if you're willing to head off the beaten path near a remote area with a flowing creek, you'll be rewarded. This area can be slick, so hike with caution.

This small waterfall is heavily weather-dependent. If it's been a dry season, it may be little more than a refreshing trickle, ideal for cooling off on a hot day.

However, if there has been a lot of rain recently, you'll be met with an impressive cascade - one of the most beautiful but least-known spots in this charming state park.

While the spring, summer, and fall are the most popular times to visit this waterfall, there's something to be said for winter - it's much less crowded, and the sight of a frozen waterfall is something truly magical.

Have you braved this challenging trail to discover this hidden waterfall in Illinois? Let us know about your trek in the comments section! You can see more pictures of the trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and make sure to check out the Illinois website for Giant City State Park for more information on the park's amenities! This is where you can climb a water tower for one of the most impressive views in Illinois.

If you're planning to take on this hidden waterfall hike, we highly recommend a subscription to AllTrails + - the point-by-point directions will make it easy to find your destinations, even if you're out of range of cell phone service.