Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

Oglesby, Illinois

4.3/5

based on 3 reviews

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Distance

4.4 miles

Elevation Gain

370 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Brandyn Murray

Trek through Starved Rock's state park and enjoy the views of the Illinois River and Dam.

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 waterfalls if you choose to cut into the canyons. During the spring months with rain the falls will be flowing but during the summer months the water levels are fairly low.

If you are not up for the 4.4 mile hike to the canyon you have the option of driving down route 71 to designated parking area that leads you to the other side of the canyon's trail. From the parking lot, it will take you about 20 minutes on the trail to get to the Canyon.

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Reviews

Angela Overlin

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

10/08/22

Hiked from lodge to canyon and back. Bluff trail going out with some good views and canyon was worth while even with out waterfall

5.0

Brandyn Murray

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

11/02/16

The amount of times I have been to starved rock, the main canyons like La Salle Canyon is always crowded. Unfortunately, i have never been able to visit when it isn't crowded. If you are planning on visiting during a public holiday it will be packed and you will have to deal with a lot of people. All in all starved roock and La Salle is a great place to visit for the first time.

4.0

Emily Otis

Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

04/03/16

At the Visitor Center, there are plenty of trails that cross between the bluffs and the river. Starved Rock and the trails directly around it are over-boardwalked. It's a shame to see natural trails that need no maintenance ruined but once you get away from the VC, it thins out. I would suggest walking the river trail to La Salle/Tony canyons, where there are delightful waterfalls. You can go up and take the bluff trails back. The gorges are lovely but even on a gusty day, it was crowded. Go early and skip the crowd. Would be lovely for trail running as well.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike to Starved Rock's La Salle Canyon

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