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This is a great hike just over an hour from Chicago that leads to a 125 foot waterfall and a canyon that was carved by glacial melt waters.
If you happen to find yourself in the Chicagoland area be sure to check out the Wildcat Canyon hike at Starved Rock State Park.  This is a 2 mile out and back hike from the visitor's center that leads to the largest waterfall in the park.  There are two viewpoints from the top of the canyon or you can descend the stairs to the bottom and explore the canyon.  The waterfall tends to be at its fullest in springtime and will slow to a trickle in summer.
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Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP
I hiked this last weekend (February 26, 2017), and it was warm and sunny for February, but still on the cold side, and we got to see some ice formations at the base of the waterfall, though it was obviously not nearly as lush, but still a great sight and pleasant hike!
Hike to Wildcat Canyon at Starved Rock SP
We entered the park as everyone was leaving due to severe weather. This was no high mountain summit so we went in! We got down to the canyon floor and there was not a single soul in sight. We got some awesome photos!
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Hike Starved Rock's French Canyon
Starting from the visitors center or the parks restaurant, depending on where you parked. If you were forced to park by the restaurant because of a busy day, you will start the trail head with a map of the park. You will follow the tallest stairs of the park down to the visitors center where the trail splits into two ways. Up the stairs or turn to the right. You will take the right and follow t...
Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon
This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.2 mile hike one way and 4.4 miles if you go out and back. The trail is very much worth the long trek. You enjoy the views and fresh air of the Illinois river. You will also walk past the Illinois Dam. This trail is mostly walking a long the river. On the way to the canyon you will pass by many ...
Hike Ottawa Canyon at Starved Rock State Park
This canyon is not as popular as some of the others in this park but it is my favorite by far. You can either hike the full 3.9 miles from the visitor center or you can jump in your car and head over to one of the parking lots on the east side for a shorter hike. Either way you will not be disappointed.Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore. The valley was form...
Hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore.  The valley was formed by a series of floods as glacial melt waters broke through moraines, sending torrents of flood water surging across the land that eventually eroded the sandstone and sedimentary rock.  If you arrive in the winter you get to experience ice falls and bald eagles from December to early March.
Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop
With 5 miles of trails, which alternate between cliffs, canyons, and bluffs, Matthiessen State Park has plenty to offer. This particular trail also includes three waterfalls, along the way. From the Dells Area parking lot, head down the steps next to the log fort replica. At the 4-way junction turn right, where the trail follows along the Upper Dell. At the T-junction with Bluff Trail, turn lef...
Hike the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park
From the start of the parking lot you will cross a picnic area to your left where you can have a bite to eat before or after your hike. The trailhead starts off with a couple flights of stair leading you down to the bridge. After taking in the spectacular views at the top of the waterfall you will cross the bridge and turn right to go down, taking the stairs to the upper dells. Depending on whe...