Illinois Waterfalls and Natural Springs

Illinois's waterfalls are concentrated in Starved Rock (seasonal sandstone canyon falls) and the Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois.

St. Louis Canyon Falls (Starved Rock SP)
The most dramatic waterfall in Illinois — a 40-foot drop from an overhanging sandstone ledge into a narrow grotto. The surrounding sandstone walls are draped in moss and fern; the space is cool and cathedral-like. In January and February, the falls freeze into spectacular ice formations. The approach trail is 0.5 miles from the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

French Canyon and Wildcat Canyon (Starved Rock SP)
Adjacent canyons with seasonal waterfalls — French Canyon is narrower and more intimate; Wildcat Canyon is wider with spring wildflowers on the canyon floor. All 18 canyons at Starved Rock have waterfalls after significant rain or snowmelt; spring (April) and winter (January) are the best seasons.

Matthiessen State Park Falls
Adjacent to Starved Rock — Matthiessen has a two-level cascade through a sandstone dells system. The lower dells area (15-foot cascade) and the upper dells pool are accessible on a loop trail. Less crowded than Starved Rock; similar geological character.

Burden Falls (Shawnee NF)
In the Shawnee Hills south of Harrisburg — a 20-foot cascade over sandstone, one of the larger natural waterfalls in Illinois. The surrounding forest is mature oak and hickory. The trail is short (1 mile round trip) and the falls are best in spring.

Jackson Falls (Shawnee NF)
A series of sandstone drops on a small tributary — popular with rock climbers on the adjacent sandstone walls. The waterfall and the climbing combine to make this a busy spot in the Shawnee NF.

Bell Smith Springs (Shawnee NF)
Spring-fed pools and seasonal cascades on Bay Creek — the area has natural bridges, swimming holes, and the most varied geology in Illinois. The 4-mile loop trail passes multiple small falls and the natural arch.