Chasing waterfalls is a favorite pastime of many and those who live in the Prairie State are lucky to have several gorgeous falls to visit. Among the most popular are Cascade Falls and Giant’s Bathtub Falls at Matthiessen State Park, Jackson Falls in the Shawnee National Forest, and the numerous falls that can be found at Starved Rock State Park. But if you prefer to search for a hidden waterfall in Illinois, take a trip to Apple River Canyon State Park.
Apple River Canyon State Park is a small, 1,907-acre park located in Jo Daviess County. Close to the Wisconsin border, this park is quite a hidden gem.
Keertu Anil/Google
Found within this park are limestone bluffs, ravines, a river, camping, plenty of wildlife, and hiking trails to explore it all. You’ll also find plenty of peace and quiet here.
Cathy Burnette/Google
You can also go fishing in the Apple River where you can catch smallmouth bass, sunfish, crappie, carp, trout, and more.
John Klopp/Google
But Apple River Canyon State Park is home to a gorgeous waterfall that most people don’t seem to know about. This gorgeous waterfall is actually a spillway for Apple Canyon Lake.
Bogdan Kobylynskyi/Google Local
Breathtaking and picturesque, don’t forget to take a camera with you. Also make sure you have enough time to spend here marveling at and listening to Apple Canyon Lake Waterfall.
Joan Schisler/Google
Of course, you can always visit Apple Canyon Lake Falls in the wintertime when the landscape is covered in a layer of snow. It’s quite magical to see!
Heather Fencik/Google
Have you visited this hidden waterfall in Illinois yet? What is your favorite waterfall to visit in the state? Let us know in the comments! To learn more about Apple River Canyon State Park and the Apple Canyon Lake Waterfall, visit the Illinois State Parks website.
Keertu Anil/Google
Cathy Burnette/Google
John Klopp/Google
Bogdan Kobylynskyi/Google Local
Joan Schisler/Google
Heather Fencik/Google
You can also chase waterfalls on our Illinois Waterfall Loop Road Trip.
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Address: Apple Canyon Lake Waterfall, E South Apple Canyon Rd, Scales Mound, IL 61075, USA
