Starved Rock Hikers

04/01/2026

French Canyon is closed through June for trail improvements, but Starved Rock is still a great place to hike this spring.

We broke down what’s closed, what’s still open, and where to go instead so you can still catch waterfalls, overlooks, and a full day on the trails. We also included a simple Matthiessen plan B if you want to make a weekend out of it.

French Canyon is temporarily closed for trail improvements, but Starved Rock State Park is still open for spring hiking.Starting the week of March 23, 2026, a small section of trails around French Canyon will be closed through June while construction is underway. It can sound like a lot when you rea...

03/29/2026

Don’t miss peak waterfall season! 🌿💧
Spring is the ultimate time to explore Starved Rock & Matthiessen when snowmelt and seasonal rains bring the canyons back to life. We put together 5 can’t-miss waterfalls to visit right now, plus a few quick trail tips so you’re ready for muddy spots and changing conditions.

Which one is your favorite: LaSalle, St. Louis, Wildcat, Cascade, or Lake Falls?

Full blog post; https://www.starvedrockhikers.com/post/top-5-waterfalls-to-visit-this-spring

Springtime is the best time for seeing waterfalls in Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. Snowmelt and increased rainfall help the...

03/20/2026

The falls are awake.

Happy first day of Spring from Starved Rock Hikers.

03/18/2026

After the strong response to its original true-to-life sketch hats, Starved Rock Hikers is expanding the collection with new styles, additional canyon designs, and fresh ways to represent Starved Rock State Park.

Learn more and view the full release below:

Expanded leather patch collection introduces seven waterfalls and new hat styles.OTTAWA, IL — After the strong response to its original true-to-life sketch hats, Starved Rock Hikers is expanding the collection with new styles, additional canyon designs, and fresh ways to represent Starved Rock Sta...

03/18/2026

Everyone has a favorite canyon. Now you can wear yours! 🥾

The Waterfall Collection just dropped. Seven Starved Rock waterfalls, each sketched from the real thing and designed here in Starved Rock Country📍

03/15/2026

03/13/2026

The Starved Rock Art Show Award Ceremony and Reception for 2026 took place Saturday at the Starved Rock Visitor Center.

03/13/2026

Some of the best days happen right after the rain.
Captured yesterday at Kaskaskia Canyon after recent storms, with both waterfalls flowing and even the rarely seen fall on the right coming to life.

03/04/2026

Bald eagles are most commonly spotted at Starved Rock during the winter months, but they can be seen year-round. You don’t need a frozen river to catch a sighting like this. Keep your eyes on the tree lines and bluffs along the Illinois River.

📸: