Starved Rock State Park on the Illinois River bluff in LaSalle County is one of Illinois’ most beautiful destinations. The park boasts 18 canyons, with interior access to 8 of them. All of the canyons are box canyons which means, for the canyons with interior access, the way in is the same way out.
The park’s 18 canyons feature vertical walls of moss-covered stone formed by glacial meltwater that slice dramatically through tree-covered sandstone bluffs. More than 13 miles of trails allow access to waterfalls, fed by seasonal rain runoff or natural springs; sandstone overhangs; and spectacular overlooks. Lush vegetation supports abundant wildlife, while Oak, cedar and pine grow on drier, sandy bluff tops.
IDNR Rules and Trail Suggestions – https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/activity/park.starvedrock.html
Maps are available at the bookstore or there is a download via the IDNR website (pdf).
Canyon Showcase
Links to Canyon and Site Information
- Aurora Canyon – Canyon access
- Basswood Canyon – Overlook
- Beehive Overlook – River overlook
- Campanula Trail
- Council Overhang – Undercut
- Eagle Cliff – River overlook
- French Canyon – Canyon access
- Fox Canyon – Overlook
- Hennepin Canyon – Overlook
- Hidden Canyon – Overlook
- Illinois Canyon – Canyon acess
- Kaskaskia Canyon – Canyon access
- Kickapoo Canyon – Overlook
- LaSalle Canyon – Canyon access
- Lone Point Shelter
- Lonetree Canyon – Overlook
- Lover’s Leap – Overlook
- Ottawa Canyon – Canyon access
- Owl Canyon – Overlook
- Pontiac Canyon – Overlook
- Sac Canyon – Overlook
- Sandstone Point – Overlook
- Starved Rock – Overlook
- St. Louis Canyon – Canyon access
- Tonti Canyon – Closed until further notice
- Wildcat Canyon – Canyon access