Hiking at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is known for its beautiful hiking trails that lead visitors through breathtaking canyons, over flowing waterfalls, and past stunning views of the Illinois River. With over 13 miles of well-marked trails, there is something for hikers of all skill levels to enjoy.

Here are some of the most popular trails at Starved Rock State Park:

Starved Rock Trail - This 3.5-mile loop trail takes visitors past 18 canyons and offers stunning views of the Illinois River. It is the park's most popular trail and can be accessed from the Starved Rock Lodge.

French Canyon Trail - This 0.8-mile loop trail takes hikers through a narrow canyon with 60-foot walls and a waterfall. It is a moderate trail that is best visited in the spring or after a rainfall.

Wildcat Canyon Trail - This 0.7-mile trail takes hikers down a staircase to the bottom of Wildcat Canyon, where they can view a waterfall and explore the canyon floor.

LaSalle Canyon Trail - This 2.2-mile trail takes hikers through LaSalle Canyon, where they can see waterfalls, rock formations, and wildlife.

Pontiac Canyon Trail - This 0.5-mile trail takes hikers through a narrow canyon with waterfalls and interesting rock formations.

All of these trails, and many more, can be found on the AllTrails website, which is a great resource for hikers looking to plan their visit to Starved Rock State Park. On the AllTrails website, visitors can find trail maps, reviews, photos, and other useful information to help them plan their hiking trip.

In addition to AllTrails, visitors can also find information about Starved Rock State Park on the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. The website provides information on camping, lodging, park hours, and other important details.

Link to AllTrails for more information click here. 

Fun facts about Starved Rock State Park:

1. The park was named after a Native American legend that tells the story of a group of Illiniwek (Illinois) warriors who were besieged on top of the sandstone butte now known as Starved Rock. They eventually died of starvation rather than surrender to their attackers.

2. Starved Rock State Park is one of the most visited state parks in Illinois, with more than 2 million visitors each year.

3. The park covers over 2,600 acres and has 13 miles of well-maintained hiking trails.

4. The park is home to more than 18 different species of ferns, making it one of the most diverse fern communities in the state.

5. The park's canyons were formed by glacial meltwater that eroded the sandstone over thousands of years.

6. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, skunks, and numerous bird species.

7. The Starved Rock Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

8. The park's Visitor Center features exhibits on the park's history, geology, and natural environment.

9. The park is located on the Illinois River, which provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water-based activities.

10. Starved Rock State Park has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including the film "The Blues Brothers" and the TV series "Chicago Fire."

Starved Rock State Park offers some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Midwest. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there is something for everyone to enjoy.