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, Goreville
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. Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail, Regent Ln, Goreville, IL 62939, USA
- Thunder Bay Falls, Galena
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. Thunder Bay Falls (Private), 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036, USA
- Jackson Falls, Ozark
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. Glen Saint Falls Road, Glen St Falls Rd, Illinois, USA
- Burden Falls, Eddyville
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. Burden Falls Road, Burden Falls Rd, Illinois, USA
- Wildcat Canyon Falls, Oglesby
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. Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
- Cascade Falls, Oglesby
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. Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
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!
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.
Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail, Regent Ln, Goreville, IL 62939, 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.
Thunder Bay Falls (Private), 233 Thunder Bay Rd, Galena, IL 61036, 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.
Glen Saint Falls Road, Glen St 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.
Burden Falls Road, Burden Falls Rd, Illinois, 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.
Starved Rock State Park, 2678 E 875th Rd, 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.
Matthiessen State Park, 2500 IL-178, Oglesby, IL 61348, USA
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