8 Favorite Northern Illinois Waterfalls

Discovering Northern Illinois Waterfalls

Northern Illinois features a number of waterfalls both natural and manmade. We are still encountering new-to-us waterfalls on the trail. Here, I have collected a selection of my favorite waterfalls to enjoy during this hiking season. I love waterfalls of all sizes and appreciate their uniqueness. I hope that you enjoy these eight waterfalls:

Kankakee River State Park: Kankakee River State Park in Bourbonnais features a lovely waterfall along Rock Creek. Views from atop the bluffs are beautiful. Additionally, we admired the rock sculpted edges of the bluffs bordering the creek. Hiking trails in the preserve treat to wonderful views and splendid forest bathing. The Rock Creek Trail will take you to the waterfall.

The gentle waterfall at Kankakee River State Park charms.

Fox Bluff Conservation Area: Located in Cary, Fox Bluff features a striking bubbling stream with plenty of gentle rapids to enjoy. We located two waterfalls within the preserve. While small, they are still quite beautiful. We find the hiking at Fox Bluff tranquil and are continually not only delighted by the waterfalls but also the wildlife present. Additionally, we love looking for wildflowers in spring and summer.

Apple Canyon Waterfall: Apple Canyon Waterfall is a waterfall tumbling into Apple Canyon Lake in JoDaviess County. If you are looking to combine your view of Apple Canyon Lake Waterfall with hiking, I recommend heading to nearby Apple River Canyon State Park. Apple River Canyon State Park treated us to hiking on a bluff and an amble along the Apple River.

Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve:  Nestled inside of Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve of South Elgin, wanderers can find a mini-waterfall. Jon J. Duerr is a lovely waterfall that offers access to the mighty Fox River. The waterfall in the preserve is quite charming and delights.

A waterfall tumbles to the canyon floor at Matthiessen State Park.

Matthiessen State Park: Multiple waterfalls enchant at Matthiessen State Park in Utica. The nature sculpted canyons and caves beckon for exploration. The flow of the waterfalls can be rain-dependent. We enjoyed skipping on stones on the canyon floor to take in closer views of the waterfalls. Such a stunning preserve!

Starved Rock State Park: Starved Rock in Oglesby presents a magnificent landscape full of canyons, bluffs, caves, river views and waterfalls. The carved sandstone of Starved Rock offers picturesque view after picturesque view. Bluffs dazzle with amazing vistas. You may see bald eagles and white pelicans at this preserve. On one visit we enjoyed watching the antics of pelicans from one viewpoint on a bluff.

A waterfall tumbles like a thin, silvery veil at Starved Rock State Park.

Krape Park:  Nestled in Freeport, the waterfall at Krape Park is a magnificent 44' cascade flowing over a limestone bluff. The park holds about 2 miles of trails. Krape Park also features a number of outdoor recreational adventures including paddle boating, mini-golf, a carousel, and disc golf. 

Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve: Although manmade, we love ambling around the waterfall inside Darien's Waterfall Glen. The waterfall itself is a piece of history constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Ambling along the Des Plaines River, we always seem to see wildlife. Additionally, we quite enjoy the rocky landscape which includes some pretty thick slabs of rock in some spots.