Explore Starved Rock State Park

Oglesby, Illinois

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Details

Distance

13 miles

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

Added by Alaina Donovan

13 miles of beautiful hiking through 18 exposed rock canyons, by frozen waterfalls and along a flowing river. Several look out points where tons of eagles can be spotted.

Between Chicago and Peoria, Starved Rock State Park is voted the #1 thing to do in Illinois - a worthwhile stop! There aren't many 'incredible' outdoor opportunities in this area, but this is such a hidden gem you cannot pass it up. There are extraordinary views from riverside bluffs and great places to relax near the peaceful waterfalls.

This place is awesome year-round but is especially beautiful when the trees are turning colors, the waterfalls are flowing heavily, or it is cold enough so the falls freeze over. There was a massive flood 14,000 to 17,000 years ago creating unique topography for this region of the country.

Starved Rock is right along the Illinois River so there is tons of fishing including catfish, bullhead, white bass, sauger, walleye, carp and crappie. Outdoor camping, cabins, hotel, visitor center and a lodge are found on site. At different times of the year, ice skating, ice climbing, cross country skiing, horseback riding, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting are also possible. Close to small town with a few good restaurants.

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Features

Camping

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Food Nearby

Picnic Area

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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Nearby

Hike Starved Rock's French Canyon

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 t...

Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP

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 ful...

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.2 mile hike one way and 4.4 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 ...

Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

This canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either hike the full 3.9 miles from the visitor center or you can jump in your car and head over to one of the parking lots on the east side for a shorter hike. Either way you will not be disappointed.Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore. The valley was form...

Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park

Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore. The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial melt waters broke through moraines, sending torrents of flood water surging across the land that eventually eroded the sandstone and sedimentary rock. If you arrive in the winter you get to experience ice falls and bald eagles from December to early March.

Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop

With 5 miles of trails, which alternate between cliffs, canyons, and bluffs, Matthiessen State Park has plenty to offer. This particular trail also includes three waterfalls, along the way. From the Dells Area parking lot, head down the steps next to the log fort replica. At the 4-way junction turn right, where the trail follows along the Upper Dell. At the T-junction with Bluff Trail, turn lef...