Illinois Canyon Ottawa, IL 61350

"Really pretty and easy trail at the far end of strv3d rock state park. The parking loot is kinda hard to see from 71 and is located right next to the bridge over the small crick. The hike itself is less than 1 mile round trip but quiet on weekdays. There are a couple of water crossings during the hike so be prepared to get a little wet and have mud on your shoes. Plenty of pretty birds. The water falls at the end are small and my not be flowing during high summer. Spring and fall is my favorite time to visit."

"Disclaimer: Please come prepared. After a good snow melt or heavy rains, Illinois canyon becomes a playground. We crossed the stream three times before being granted with a spectacular waterfall surrounded by massive Bluffs. One of my favorite hikes in the area."

"The Illinois Canyon trail is the eastern-most trail on Starved Rock State Park. It’s fairly flat and short trip from the parking lot. I trekked it on winter time and most charming. I love the winding frozen streams."

"My family and I walked the path here but came to a dead end with the stream. I wish there was a better way to cross it so we could continue the journey. Overall, the canyon had very pretty views."

"About a mile-long hike round-trip from its own parking lot (which is supposedly connected to the lot leading to Ottawa & Kaskaskia Canyons, but we found that trail to be quite overgrown toward the end of June this year). Though we did start off here relatively early in the morning (about 9:00), I suspect these eastern canyons are far less-traveled than those near the visitor's center, making them a nice alternative if you'd prefer some more peaceful hiking, particularly on the weekend. Definitely bring some boots or shoes you don't mind getting muddy or wet, as there's numerous places where you need to find your own way across the creek meandering out of the canyon. Some places have tree limbs or rocks strategically placed for easier crossing, but those aren't always a safe bet given how water levels and muddiness of the surrounding ground can fluctuate. Overall, a very pretty hike, with some gorgeous canyon walls and tall trees all the way back."