Wildcat Canyon Waterfall

Oglesby, Illinois

4.5/5

based on 2 reviews

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Details

Distance

1.77 miles

Elevation Gain

427 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael

Wildcat Canyon Waterfall is a great hike just over an hour from Chicago. The trail 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.

This trail is dog-friendly on a leash, but the metal grates on some of the stairs can be challenging for pups.

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Wildcat Canyon Waterfall Reviews

Matt Soria

Wildcat Canyon Waterfall

03/03/17

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!

4.0

Explorer

Grant Whitty

Explorer

Wildcat Canyon Waterfall

09/28/16

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!

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

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...

La Salle Canyon

This out-and-back trail is one of the parks longest trails. Starting from the visitors center it is 2.1 mile hike one way and 4.2 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 ...

Lover's Leap Overlook

Starved Rock State Park is just outside of Oglesby, Illinois. The park features sandstone bluffs and the Illinois River runs through the park. Dogs are allowed on trail if kept on leash. The trail is open year-round for a variety of activities. The Lover's Leap Overlook Trail is rated as beginner to moderate, based on the amount of stairs on the trail.

St. Louis Canyon

The hike from the visitor center or lodge is 1.35 miles. For a shorter hike you can park just south of the park entrance on Route 178 and hike 10 minutes to the canyon and falls. Spring is the best time to see the waterfall and winter also provides a unique perspective once the waterfall freezes and turns into an ice fall. Starved Rock has some very interesting rock formations you can explore...

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...

Wildcat Canyon Waterfall

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Wildcat Canyon Waterfall Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

French Canyon

La Salle Canyon

Lover's Leap Overlook

St. Louis Canyon

Hike the Matthiessen State Park Loop

Hike the Upper Dells of Matthiessen State Park

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