Although the Prairie State isn’t known for having the tallest waterfalls in the country like California and Hawaii, it still has some impressive ones just the same. If you are looking for a scenic road trip, here is one leading to the tallest waterfall in Illinois. You’ll notice that there are several grouped together, from two that are close to each other up north within Starved Rock State Park and a few that are close together in the south around Shawnee National Forest. This waterfall road trip in Illinois can easily be split up into two days. You can use the interactive map and add any stops you would like to make along the way to these waterfalls in Illinois.

This trip is a total of 342 miles with just under six hours of drive time. Keep in mind how long you would like to spend at each waterfall and add that to your trip time.
Google Maps
Some hiking will be involved to see these falls, so be prepared with a good pair of hiking boots and anything else you may need!
1. Wildcat Canyon Falls, Oglesby
2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Mark Kaletka/Flickr
Wildcat Canyon has the tallest waterfall within Starved Rock State Park at 70 feet. However, its flow is dependent on rain. Although it can be quite a difficult hike to get there, the Campanula Trail is the easiest choice as it is shorter. There is also a creek crossing which may be deep after it rains. This impressive waterfall can also be viewed from the boardwalk along the trail.
2. St. Louis Canyon Falls, Oglesby
2668 East 873 Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks/Facebook
Also within Starved Rock State Park, St. Louis Canyon Falls is an 80-foot tall, spring-fed waterfall which makes it last longer than most. Like Wildcat Canyon Falls, you can park at the Visitor's Center and take a 1.5-mile-long trail.

Get an in-depth overview of the beauty of St. Louis canyon trail and waterfalls:

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3. Bork Falls, Goreville
Regent Lane, Regent Ln, Illinois 62939, USA
Illinois Ozarks/Facebook
Heading south, stop at the 100-foot-tall Bork's Falls which also has a swimming hole. If you're here on a hot day, feel free to go for a swim. There are a couple of ways to access this waterfall: take a 3.7-mile hike through a series of trails or park on Happy Hollow Road for a much shorter hike. Just set aside some extra time for swimming at this waterfall!
4. Burden Falls, Pope County
Burden Falls, Illinois 62987, USA
Joseph Gage/Flickr
Burden Falls has a 20-foot cascade over a sandstone cliff into a creek that then gradually descends another 80 feet. This Shawnee National Forest waterfall is one of the most popular in the southern part of the state and is surrounded by fascinating rock formations. It's definitely worth a visit!

See what it would look like in person to watch Burden Falls flowing:

5. Jackson Falls, Simpson
Glen Saint Falls Road, Glen St Falls Rd, Illinois, USA
victoria sullivan/AllTrails
Jackson Falls is a seasonal waterfall, approximately 60 feet tall, that is also found within the Shawnee National Forest. It is great to visit any time of year. In winter, it freezes over and is a popular spot for ice climbing. At other times of the year, the rocks surrounding the waterfall are ideal for rock climbing.

Follow along on this hike to find out how to get to Jackson Falls:

Are you ready for this waterfall road trip in Illinois? What are some of your favorite falls throughout the state? Please let us know in the comments. Be sure to check out one of the most underrated waterfalls in Illinois.

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More to Explore

The Natural Beauty Of Illinois

William Suphan | February 08, 2023

What are the most beautiful nature spots in Illinois?

The most beautiful nature spots in Illinois include:

  • Matthiessen State Park in North Utica. This park's layered stone formations and gorgeous waterfalls are a must-see.
  • Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. There are 6.5 miles of beautiful shoreline here and the 4,000-acre park has over 700 plant species.
  • Garden of the Gods in Herod. See prehistoric rock formations that formed over 300 million years ago and get an amazing valley view.
  • Giant City State Park in Makanda. There is a nature trail here that formed about 12,000 years ago and the swirling rock formations are otherworldly.

Learn more about the most beautiful nature spots in Illinois. 

What are the best natural attractions in Illinois?

The best natural attractions in Illinois include:

  • Mississippi Palisades State Park. This park sits where the Mississippi and Apple Rivers meet and has scenic hiking trails with stunning views.
  • Cave-In-Rock State Park. The caves here are a popular spot for people into local history and they often search for buried treasure that is rumored to be here.
  • Lowden-Miller State Forest. This 2,300-acre park has gorgeous bluffs and forests as well as a statue of Black Hawk.
  • Starved Rock State Park. This park is a local favorite and contains 13 miles of hiking trails through canyons and near waterfalls.

Find out more about the best natural attractions in Illinois. 

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois?

The most scenic hiking trails in Illinois include:

  • Castle Rock State Park. The trails here go through sandstone bluffs and dense forests and provide amazing views.
  • Ferne Clyffe State Park. There are 18 trails here that wind through intriguing rock formations and varied terrain.
  • Buffalo Rock State Park. There’s a fairly short 3.3-mile trail here with views of the Illinois river and you may get to see the two resident bison.
  • Cache River Natural Area. This swamp area spans 14,000 acres and has huge cypress trees coming out of the bog.

Discover more about the most scenic hiking trails in Illinois. 

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