Cliff Views of the Rock River from Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve in Stillman Valley, Illinois

 

Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve in Illinois' Winnebago County features 60-foot-high limestone cliffs rising above the Rock River. The forest preserve provides a wonderful set of trails through prairie and woodland while treating to cliff and river views. 

We hiked at Cedar Cliff on a warm, sunny day enjoying the birds of the prairie singing and fluttering about. Prairie flowers had begun to bloom, so the splash of color was quite joyful. The whole preserve was awash in spring!

A tree swallow perches on a nesting box in the prairie of Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve.

Cedar Cliff represents a newer preserve acquired in 2017. The prairie and adjacent woodlands are currently undergoing restoration. Once farmland, the prairie is now thriving. The cliff environment is unique and visits to the preserve offer opportunities to observe uncommon plant communities. We quickly became enamored with Cedar Cliff's array of ecosystems and habitats.

A meandering brook offered an opportunity to spot tadpoles.

Within the prairie, we crossed a picturesque little brook. Pausing on the bridge and peering over the sides, we could spot tadpoles hopping about. Spotting little tadpoles is a sweet moment bringing childhood memories back.

Admiring the spring sun dancing on the leaves of tree crowns.

We wound through the prairie towards the forest. Once we reached the forest, dense trees immediately enveloped us. We gazed up and enjoyed the tree crowns of spring. As we ambled through the woodlands admiring flowers including a forest floor full of wild geraniums, we noted an offshoot path. If you find this path, remember to take it for an amazing cliffside view. The view is magical and not to be missed!

A rocky cliff edge covered with ferns, leafy vines, moss, and columbine.

We marveled at the edge of the limestone cliff featuring many crags and cracks as well as little cavern openings. A blanket of ferns, leafy vines, and moss covered the cliff edge. Additionally, some truly graceful columbine dangled from the side. Columbine is in the photo above, so see if you can find it!

A gentle hill of Cedar Cliff under a spring canopy and featuring a soft floor of dead leaves.

The rolling natural trail was rocky in spots. The rockiness increased as we approached the cliffs. Rounding a corner, we soon saw gentle but high hills emerging into view. They were softened by a layer of last year's dead leaves as well as the verdant foliage of today.

Spectacular Rock River Views

Rock River sparkling through the trees.

While on the trail, we could also peek through the trees for a view of the Rock River. Eventually, the trail would wind down to shore level and we could walk out for a fabulous view of the river.

The Rock River gently bu the shore.

Arriving at the shore, we soaked in the beautiful scenery and paused for a moment. Such a fantastic view and quite the reward after our hike!

We had two choices to amble back -- either looping around through the prairie or heading back through the woodlands and the same stretch of the prairie as earlier. Captivated by the woodlands, we returned the way we came once again admiring the stunning landscape we just hiked through. The peaceful, stunning views lifted our spirits and left us at ease as we wound through woodlands and prairie back to the car. Cedar Cliff Forest Preserve is another amazing portion of the Forest Preserves of Winnebago County that we will return to.