6 Waterfalls In Illinois That Are Most Powerful And Best Visited In The Spring

When winter ends and spring begins, it’s time to head outside to enjoy the warmer air. Perhaps a hike to a waterfall this time of year is in order as well. Luckily in the springtime, many waterfalls are at their fullest and most powerful due to snowmelt and seasonal rain. Here are a few of the best waterfalls in Illinois that you should visit in the spring.

Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail, Regent Ln, Goreville, IL 62939, USA

Grant Twiss/Google

This spring, head to Goreville and take the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail in the Shawnee National Forest. Stop for awhile and marvel at the waterfall which will be at its fullest this time of year. There are plenty of rocks from which you can climb and get a look at the waterfall as well. Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Ferne Clyffe Falls.

Thunder Bay Falls (PRIVATE), 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA

Damien Panek/Google

Set on private property, only locals seem to know where Thunder Bay Falls is. These stunning falls can be seen right from the parking lot -- no hiking required! Read our previous coverage to learn more about Thunder Bay Falls.

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Glen Saint Falls Road, Glen St Falls Rd, Illinois, USA

Christine Arason/Google

Found within the Shawnee National Forest, Jackson Falls cascades from atop sandstone bluffs. The area surrounding the falls is a popular spot for rock climbing. Visit the Shawnee Forest website for more information.

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Burden Falls Road, Burden Falls Rd, Illinois, USA

Roger Sullivan Jr/AllTrails

Burden Falls cascades 20 feet over a sandstone cliff before cascading another 80 feet to the canyon floor. This waterfall is best-seen in early spring before all the trees sprout their leaves. Visit the Shawnee Forest website for more information.

Starved Rock State Park, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

Lori Sweet/AllTrails

Located within Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock State Park, Wildcat Canyon Falls is the tallest falls in the park at 125 feet. Imagine how impressive this waterfall will look in the spring! Visit AllTrails to plan your hike to Wildcat Canyon.

Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA

Tom Gill/Flickr

Head to Matthiessen State Park if you want to see the impressive Cascade Falls this spring. Cascading over the dells within a gorge, this waterfall then drops into a pool of water in the lower dells. Read our previous coverage to learn more about the hike to Cascade Falls.

Will you visit any of these the best waterfalls in Illinois this spring? What is your favorite waterfall to visit in the Prairie State? Let us know in the comments!