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10 Amazing Waterfalls in Illinois That Many Tourists Visit

    The amazing waterfalls in Illinois will amaze you. Those are the destinations which can make your vacation there is more fun and memorable at the same time. Illinois is a state in America which has various beautiful waterfalls.

    Many people are maybe indeed surprised about that because this place is one of the flattest states too. However, the falls there are superb and some of them are seasonal.

    Some can completely dry up in summer, but the rests are reduced to a small trickle. The best waterfalls in Illinois can be founded in various places there. Make sure you know it’s locations and the reasons of why you should come there.

    10 Most Amazing Waterfalls in Illinois

    The falls there have the different size and nature conditions, so they are worth to visit. Below are the recommendations of great waterfalls in Illinois.

    10. Apple Canyon Lake

    Apple Canyon Lake
    Apple Canyon Lake | Source: wikimedia.org

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    This destination is located in the hilly northwest. Your can say that this Apple Canyon lake is a hidden gem so that you won’t see so many people hiking three. However, the trails will give you a beautiful experience. The surround nature is also amazing where the air feels so fresh and cold.

    9. Jackson Falls

    Jackson Falls
    Jackson Falls | Source: midwestnomads.com

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    It is one if the amazing waterfalls in Illinois which is in more detail located in Shawnee National. To see all it’s beauty you must hike first, but don’t worry since it will be worth it.

    The waterfall area can be reached after doing the 4 miles hike and the type is moderate. If the weather is good, you may see some other small falls.

    Spring is the best time to visit this destination. That is the moment where water debits are good and everything can be clearly seen, included it’s pretty nature

    8. Burden Falls

    Burden Falls
    Burden Falls | Source: midwestnomads.com

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    It is not only the amazing waterfalls in Illinois, but also the most popular falls there. It is visited By a lot of people every year where this destination is located in southern part.

    In a more detail, it is within the Burden Falls wilderness. The total area is 3,775 area where it is also known as the Shawnee national forest. Well this destination is seasonal.

    Besides that, you are able to see various buffs, trails, and Mesmerizing views around. After a big rainfall, this place will be looked amazing. The total drop that it has is around 100 feet.

    The greatest descent is almost 20 feet. Trekking is the only way to reach this waterfalls area. In that journey, you will pass several smaller falls too which become a beautiful spot for photography.

    7. Lake Falls

    Lake Falls
    Lake Falls | Source: secretchicago.com

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    This is one of the amazing waterfalls in Illinois, especially in Matthiesen state park. It separates the upper and lower parts where it looks like a fairy grotto too.

    The rocks there are naturally carved by the streams. The total height that this fall has is for about 45 feet. The surround nature here is really beautiful.

    You need to walk 100 steps from the parking lot To reach the rim trails. The base of this destination is looked like an amphitheater and the echo sound is so magical.

    6. Thunder Bay

    Thunder Bay
    Thunder Bay | Source: trip.com

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    Besides becoming one of the amazing waterfalls in Illinois, thunder bay is also the easiest someone can get too. You don’t even need to walk because you can just drive up to it.

    Don’t Worry since the scenery is stunning and it Is suitable for photography. In Galena, this destination is one from two falls which can be seen from the parking lot area. If you want to be closer, just take a walk through it’s small path. Don’t worry because this path is accessible.

    5. Glen Forest Preserve

    Glen Forest Preserve
    Glen Forest Preserve | Source: www.yelp.ca

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    Glen Forest Preserve are the amazing waterfalls in Illinois and it is man made too. Besides the fall, don’t miss a chance to explore it’s 2500 acres area. The interesting thing is that it is located really close to the city.

    That is why; this destination also becomes a famous spot for cyclists, walkers, and runners too. The overall landscapes are the combinations of woodlands, hills, and prairie.

    Furthermore, this Glen Forest Preserve was made in 1930. Besides the falls, you will see some other attractive spots. Besides that, the abundant wildlife is really interesting to watch too.

    4. Giants Bathtub Waterfall

    Giants Bathtub Waterfall
    Giants Bathtub Waterfall | Source: waterfallrecord.com

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    This one of the amazing waterfalls in Illinois is easy to find. Besides that, it is located in Matthiesen state parks which are quite popular among the people.

    This state park is so pretty and the waterfalls are varied in volume. The style that it had is cascade and the trail taking that it has is around five miles.

    From that trail, you can see many things such as river bluffs, canyons, woodlands, and more. Make sure to wear the sturdy shoes because the ground can be slippery.

    3. Tonti Canyon Creek

    Tonti Canyon Creek
    Tonti Canyon Creek | Source: mwexplorer.wordpress.com

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    The drops of these amazing waterfalls in Illinois are 60 feet. It is located in Starved Rock State Park and there are two falls that you may visit. These waterfalls are at the end of the canyon and each of then are quite far.

    During your hiking journey, you will live the mesmerizing views around. It is filled with wildflowers and other plants. You may see a 6-mile loop as well where it has several steps. These are quite tricky for the visitors.

    2. St Louis Canyon Waterfalls

    St Louis Canyon Waterfalls
    St Louis Canyon Waterfalls | Source: www.hikingproject.com

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    Still in Starved Rock State Park, St Louis are the next amazing waterfalls in Illinois. It becomes the favorite spots. This fall is a spring-fed type so that it is long lasting.

    To reach the location, people should hike first. In a more detail, it is located around six miles from the parking lot. From the visitors center, it is around 1.5 miles.

    The wildlife is quite abundant there. The flora fauna are a lot. Those are like the frogs, woodpeckers, turkeys, coralroot, and so on.

    1. Wildcat canyon

    Wildcat canyon
    Wildcat canyon | Source: scenicusa.net

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    Wildcat canyon is also one of the amazing waterfalls in Illinois which must be visited. It is a seasonal one where the less water will be found in mid summer.

    However, usually the water is still running in June. Spring is the best time to see this fall. Furthermore. It is located quite close to the lodge and there are several stairs to the base.

    Please watch your steps and be careful. It is because the canyon is narrow and slippery. It is better to walk slowly and use the comfortable shoes that you have.

    The 5.8 miles loop is also located around the park. After watching this one of the best waterfalls in Illinois, it is a great idea to explore the park.

    The falls above are really amazing where they are located in a beautiful area too. That is why; you should come to see the amazing waterfalls in Illinois above during your vacations there.

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