Illinois Canyon Trail

This canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either make this a short hike from the Ottawa Canyon Trailhead on the east side of the park or hike the full 3.9 miles (one-way) from the visitor center. Either way you will not be disappointed. Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore. The valley was formed by...

Starved Rock State Park is just outside of Oglesby, Illinois. The park features sandstone bluffs and the Illinois River runs through the park. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is open year-round for a variety of activities. The Lover's Leap Overlook Trail is rated as beginner to moderate, based on the amount of stairs on the trail.

Starting from the visitors center or the parks restaurant, depending on where you parked. If you were forced to park by the restaurant because of a busy day, you will start the trail head with a map of the park. You will follow the tallest stairs of the park down to the visitors center where the trail splits into two ways.  Up the stairs or turn to the right. You will take the right and follow...

This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.1 mile hike one way and 4.2 miles if you go out and back. The trail is very much worth the long trek. You enjoy the views and fresh air of the Illinois river. You will also walk past the Illinois Dam. This trail is mostly walking a long the river. On the way to the canyon you will pass by many ...

If you happen to find yourself in the Chicagoland area be sure to check out the Wildcat Canyon hike at Starved Rock State Park. This is a 2 mile out and back hike from the visitor's center that leads to the largest waterfall in the park. There are two viewpoints from the top of the canyon or you can descend the stairs to the bottom and explore the canyon. The waterfall tends to be at its fulles...

The hike from the visitor center or lodge is 1.35 miles. For a shorter hike you can park just south of the park entrance on Route 178 and hike 10 minutes to the canyon and falls. Spring is the best time to see the waterfall and winter also provides a unique perspective once the waterfall freezes and turns into an ice fall. Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore...