Illinois has a flat topography than most other states, and mountainous terrain may not surround the waterfalls. Yet, they generate a spectacular beauty of their own. The forest or prairie setting and exotic canyons and towering cliffs engulfing the waterfalls elevate its scenic beauty. Despite the strenuous and risky hike to reach most of them, the magnificent view of these mesmerizing waterfalls is undoubtedly going to make you forget all your weariness.
Illinois State Parks with Waterfalls
Illinois is home to several state parks and forest preserves such as The Waterfall Glen Forest Reserve, Starved Rock State Park, Garden of the God Wilderness, and Matthiessen State Park. All of these have many waterfalls nestled within. Some are prominent, while a few remain hidden, tucked away in the park’s remote areas or within a canyon inside the park that is hard but not impossible to reach.
Worth Waterfalls, though an artificial one, is no less magnificent than a natural beauty. Situated in Worth Waterfalls Park, it’s just a few steps away from the parking area. Following the short paved path, you will get an excellent, up-close view of them. It’s a wonderful place to spend time with your family, and you can picnic here as well. The beautiful scenery surrounding the site is also ideal for clicking memorable pictures.
If you have ample time left, visit the mesmerizing Lake Katherine, which is a short drive away from the waterfalls.
Nearest City: About 104.4 miles from Milwaukee
Hiking & Other Activities: There is no hiking trail since the waterfall is close to the place where you park your car.
Nestled within the one-mile-long sandstone canyon in Matthiessen State Park is the gorgeous Cascade Falls. As it is seasonal, the best time to witness it is during spring. Though it flows in a trickle during the other seasons, you can still go there to have a glimpse of the beauteous surroundings around.
The 45 feet waterfall divides the Upper and Lower Dell. There is a bridge above the waterfall which brings you down to its base as you descend the concrete steps. Here, you can see an amphitheater that the gushing waters have created, in addition to several small caves.
Nearest City: Approximately 5 miles from Oglesby
Hiking & Other Activities: Descending the steps from the parking lot area will lead you to follow the trail to the waterfall. It is a 0.5 miles round trip but a bit difficult to figure out. You can get your dogs here, too, provided you make them wear a leash. Nature walks would be a great activity as there are varieties of ferns in abundance.
Set on the Vermillion River, the Giant’s Bathtub Falls tumbles from a height of 10 feet into a giant, clear pool beneath. A set of wooden stairs and rounded stone steps will guide you to the waterfall. To witness its beauty, you need to get down into the canyon, within which it flows, downstream from Lake Falls. The forest setting with canyons and the waterfall is sure to give your eyes a treat.
Nearest City: About 4 miles from Utica
Hiking & Other Activities: To reach the waterfall, you need to hike for about a mile. It is a moderate-level hike. Your dog can also tag along with you. The state park also has a campground reserved only for equestrians, though.
With a height of 75 feet, Wildcat Canyon Falls is the tallest in the Starved Rock State Park. This waterfall, in Wildcat Canyon, gushes down the rocks in full glory in spring or even after heavy rain. It is also pretty impressive during the winter when the water freezes.
You can get spectacular views of these cascading falls either from the top of the canyon or from inside it. Head down the stairs and cross the creek to come to its base. However, mind your steps as the staircase can be slippery and dangerous.
You can also enjoy climbing the icefall, for which you must register at the Visitor Center.
Along with taking the pleasure of the surrounding scenic beauty, you can also spot many migratory birds flying around. So, don’t forget to carry your binoculars if you enjoy bird-watching. There are also many beautiful flowers adding to the scenic appeal. It is a dog-friendly area though your pet must wear a leash.
Nearest City: 5 miles from Lasalle
Hiking & Other Activities: The loop trail to reach the waterfall is 2 miles from the Visitor Center. It is a moderate-level hike. You can enjoy nature trips and bird watching as an add-on or catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, raccoon, beavers, and opossum.
Sitting in the 2500 acre of the Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, this human-made waterfall flows down gently in many tiers. Though it is not of great height, it covers an entire expanse of the bedrocks.
Rich flora, including oak and maple trees, and several other plant species surround the waterfall. The stone-crushed trail, with trees alongside, is well known for hiking, cycling, biking. In winters, cross-country skiing is also popular here.
Bring along your picnic baskets, and have a great time here with your family. You can also enjoy swimming in its waters. Of course, your dogs can also accompany you.
Nearest City: 1.5 miles from Lemont
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail is 9.5 miles long, but you need to hike for 3 miles to reach the waterfall. Cycling, biking, nature gazing, and bird watching are among the other activities to enjoy here.
St. Louis Canyon Falls drops from a height of 80 feet, making it one of the tallest in the Starved Rock State Park. The ideal time to witness it is during the spring, as the stunning fall cascading down from mighty heights is sure to amaze you then. However, you can also enjoy its spectacular view in winters when it freezes.
A part of the canyon wall had collapsed, forming a stack of boulders and sand. Kids have great fun playing here.
Wildlife watching would be excellent as the place is home to various birds like turkey vultures, hawks, warblers, turkeys, woodpeckers, and animals like chipmunks and squirrels, foxes, and so on.
Nearest City: About 1.5 miles from Utica
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail to the waterfall is about 2.1 miles long and is often busy with visitors. Hikers of all skill levels can access the trail.
The impressive, natural waterfall, also known as Blackhawk Waterfalls, is tucked at Jon J Duerr Forest Preserve. It gently flows near the Fox River from a trivial height of 8 feet and pours into the clear stream below. You will find it in a secluded path near River Bend Bike Trail. The parking lot is also available nearby at McLean. The scenic beauty and its tranquil location make the waterfall extremely photogenic.
Nearest City: About a mile from McLean Boulevard
Hiking & Other Activities: To reach the secluded waterfall, you need to hike the River Bend Bike Trail for about a mile. Hikers of any skill level can access it. Apart from this, you can enjoy picnicking, nature gazing, and wildlife viewing here.
Niles dedicated this waterfall on Memorial Day in 199 in memory of the locals who served the country as an armed force. It is human-made and situated in the southwest corner of Touhy and Milwaukee. The waterfall looks stunning at night, especially during Christmas when the decorated lights elevate its beauty. Do not miss clicking photos here while gathering knowledge of the history of the nation.
Nearest City: 0.5 miles from Niles
Hiking & Other Activities: You do not need to hike to reach the waterfall.
Thunder Bay Falls, a hidden gem, lies nestled in the Galena town. It flows all year round, all because of the Lake Galena that feeds it. You can get an easy glimpse of it from your car. From the parking area, a gravel path along a creek leads you to the picturesque waterfall. The surrounding lush greenery makes the cascading waterfall more attractive and photogenic. Since it is on private property, the place remains secluded mostly.
Nearest City: About 5.4 miles from Galena
Hiking & Other Activities: Hiking is not needed as it is just a few yards away from the parking area.
Hennepin Falls sits in the Hennepin Canyon, located in the Starved Rock State Park. The waterfall, situated in a secluded place, drops down to a clear pool below. As it is spring-fed, you need to visit it after a good rainfall for a breathtaking experience, or even in winters when it freezes completely. The beautiful natural surroundings along the way to the falls are pretty impressive.
Nearest City: About 6.5 miles from Oglesby
Hiking & Other Activities: Hiking for 2.9 miles will help you reach your destination. As the trail is steep and rocky, it is moderately difficult.
You will come across this beauty at the end of the Big Rocky Hollow Trail of Ferne Clyffe State Park. You can climb the surrounding rocks for a panoramic view of the fall. You can also spend time relaxing and playing in its waters.
Nearest City: About 16.7 miles from Marion
Hiking & Other Activities: Hike for about a mile to reach the waterfall. It is not well-marked, so bring a map to guide you. However, it is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, perfect for hiking along with the entire family, also apt for beginners. Other activities to enjoy here include swimming, picnicking, and camping.
Burden Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the state, is found in the Shawnee National Forest, visible from the parking lot. It is quite picturesque, with overhanging bluffs and greenery spread all over. As with most other falls, visit it after heavy rainfall when it tumbles down in full flow.
You can see the waterfall from a closer distance but watch out for the slippery rocks you may encounter.
Nearest City: About 0.2 miles from Stonefort
Hiking & Other Activities: To hike here, you need to cover a distance of 1.2 miles, but the trail is not adequately marked, often misleading visitors. Apart from hiking, you can also enjoy camping, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and nature gazing.
Jackson Falls remain hidden in the Shawnee National, providing one a perfect experience with nature. To enjoy its sheer beauty, visit it after a good rain. With numerous surrounding boulders and beautiful sandstone bluffs, it is a paradise for rock climbers. You could camp for free here though not more than 14 days at a stretch.
Nearest City: 4.2 miles from McCormick
Hiking & Other Activities: It is a moderate level hiking of 3.7 miles to reach the waterfall though ensure to maintain caution as you cross the boulders.
In the Hayes Creek Canyon of the Shawnee National Park, Double Branch Hole is an enormous sandstone gorge featuring two waterfalls. The beauty of these two cascades pouring down into a single pool makes it a must-visit place. In addition, the sandstone glades towering the waterfall make it increasingly appealing.
You can have easy access to the place from the Hayes Creek Canyon Campground. To enjoy the picturesque scenery around, climb down the bluff between the middle of the double branch hole and the pool. Mind your steps as you ascend upon the slippery rocks.
Nearest City: Approximately 26 miles from Harrisburg
Hiking & Other Activities: The trail leading to Double Branch Hole is 1.7 miles long. You can also enjoy camping and nature gazing.
The waterfall in Little Grand Canyon is a mesmerizing beauty, positioned in the heart of Shawnee National Forest. Though it can be pretty challenging to reach the waterfall due to the steep trails and slippery rocks, the hard work is worth it. The picturesque sight of wildflowers and towering bluffs in addition to the stunning waterfall is sure to amaze you. However, you have to be extra cautious of the slippery paths while going down the canyon to the waterfall.
Nearest City: About 8.5 miles from Pomona
Hiking & Other Activities: The Little Grand Canyon Trail is 3.4 miles long and is a moderate one. Other activities to enjoy include picnicking and nature gazing.
The Cave Falls in Shawnee National Forest is a lesser-known waterfall. It gently pours down a bluff from a height of 50 feet into the pool below. Since it is a seasonal waterfall, you need to come here after a good rainfall. You can get a clear view of it from the top of the bluff. However, if you want to get a better and up-close view of it, you can go down to its base following the trail.
Nearest City: Approximately 6 miles from Goreville
Hiking & Other Activities: You will find the trail near Regent Creek, to the left of the road.
TOP PICKS
Best Waterfalls for Hiking: Burden Falls, Little Grand Canyon, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Best Waterfalls for Swimming: Jackson Falls, Ferne Clyffe Waterfall, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve
Best Waterfalls for Camping: Wildlife Canyon Falls, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, Double Branch Hole
Best Hidden Waterfalls: Jackson Falls, Thunder Bay Falls, Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve
Hello there! My name is Jay and I run this website. I'm a full-time traveler and freelance writer. This is where I share travel advice and help people pursue their traveling dreams.
You can learn more about me and my mission on the about me page.
It's nice to have you here :)
