9 Gorgeous Waterfalls in Southern Illinois and How to Visit Them

There are over 100 waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest and the surrounding area, ranging from small cascades right up to impressive multi-story drops.

One of the best ways to experience the Shawnee National Forest waterfalls is by hiking down through some of the beautiful trails which will lead you right up to them!

Living near Shawnee National Forest means that we have explored this area a ton. One of our favorite things to do is hike to a waterfall, so of course we had to find all the best ones in Shawnee.

In this article, we’re going to tell you about all the best waterfalls in Southern Illinois and how to get to them.

We’ve hand-picked our 9 favorite waterfalls and have marked the trailheads on Google Maps for you to make finding them super easy.

Where to Find the Best Waterfalls in Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. The best way to experience most of the falls is by hiking to them. We’re going to cover all of the top Southern Illinois waterfall hikes.

We have divided this article into two sections:

In the first section, we’re going to cover all of the top waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest. In the second section, we’ll cover other Southern Illinois waterfalls that are worth exploring.

Naturally, we’ve included essential information including the type of trail, difficulty, when to visit and of course, what to see!

Waterfalls in Southern Illinois Map

Waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest

Located in Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest spans a staggering 289,000 acres. It’s nestled between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers and features a range of terrains. The park is enjoyed by almost 1 million visitors a year, who come to check out everything that the park has to offer.

A popular draw for many visitors is the ancient oak-hickory forests and the opportunity to explore the ridges and canyons and of course, to see all the captivating waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest.

1. Burden Falls

This is one of the most popular waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest. Burden Falls is incredibly easy to get to as it’s located just next to the parking lot. Burden Falls is located close to Garden of the Gods, Illinois which makes it easy to visit both on the same day.

The area around Burden Falls is absolutely beautiful! It’s an incredibly scenic trail that follows the rocky-bottomed creek to the falls. After it rains, the falls are spectacular.

You can reach the waterfall by using the clearly marked trail leading down to the creek. This is by far the safest option, and the route we highly suggest you use. You may see some hikers climbing down the main bluff, however, this can be very dangerous so we don’t recommend it.

You’ll find an abundance of photo opportunities all along the hike, especially around the smaller waterfalls near the top of the trail. The trail can get busy at times, especially on a wet day, you’ll find larger crowds coming to see the influx of water cascading from the falls.

• Trailhead – There are several trailheads for the Burden Falls Wilderness hike. The main one is called Waterfall Trailhead which is located along the McCormick/Burden Falls Road. There is a parking lot next to the trail with space for about 8 – 10 cars.

• Trail Summary – Moderate, 1-mile loop

• When to go – The best time to visit Burden Falls is during the early Spring. The combination of spring rains filling the feeding rivers and less foliage means that you’ll have a much clearer view of the falls. Although this is the best time of year to visit, you can visit Burden Falls in Shawnee National Forest all year round. However, in the dry months, you may only see a trickle of water.

• Useful Information – The walk has a moderate descent down to the bottom of the canyon which can be challenging after it rains. Even in the dryer months, you will need good footwear and possibly hiking poles for the hike down as well as back up.

There are several creek crossings on this trail although they are all navigable even after a lot of rain. Cell phone coverage can be very limited in this area, so tell someone in advance if you’re hiking this trail in case you need emergency assistance.

2. Jackson Falls

While you’re visiting Shawnee National Forest, Jackson Falls is certainly worth putting on your radar. Jackson Falls in the Shawnee National Forest is popular with bird enthusiasts, rock climbers, and hikers.

Due to its popularity, you’ll likely encounter a lot of other hikers while exploring this trail.

Along the route, you’ll find a ton of camping spots. You can camp all year long and the best part, it is completely free. However, it is primitive camping so there is no power or drinking water available.

This isn’t the easiest of routes to follow due to the marking of the trail being really hard to find. Check out our complete guide to Jackson Falls to learn all about hiking, camping, and climbing in the area.

The rock formations along this trail are gorgeous, and some of the best in Shawnee National Forest. The waterfall is pretty impressive too, especially if you visit after heavy rains when the water is really flowing!

• Trailhead – The trailhead starts at the parking lot along Glen St Falls Road.

• Trail Summary – Depends on which trail you take

• When to go – It’s best to visit this trail between March to October. To see the waterfall with lots of water, visit after a heavy rain. After a dry spell, this waterfall dries up to a trickle.

• Useful Information – Be sure to download a map and know where you’re going before you get there. The main complaint about Jackson Falls Shawnee National Forest is that it’s difficult to stay on the trail. The trail can be hard to navigate and the trail blazes are easy to lose track of. In the summer, parts of the trail can also be overgrown and so ticks can also be an issue.

3. Little Grand Canyon Waterfall

Although this is a great hike, it’s also challenging in places. There are several spots along the trail where you’ll have to scramble. Especially the section where you climb down the canyon and through to the creek bed.

The trail can also be incredibly slippery all year round, especially if the creek is flowing. It’s particularly treacherous after downpours. To get down, follow the white blazes. If possible, visit during a dry spell for a more moderate hike.

Despite the challenges, this is an incredibly beautiful trail, especially during the Spring. During this time, you’ll get to see the spring wildflowers in bloom. It’s also incredibly beautiful during fall, to see the rich colors. The trail has some great lookout points from the top of the canyon that give scenic panoramic views over the valley below.

The trail is reasonably well marked particularly in the upper part. Once in the canyon, it winds along the forested bottom and then eventually out into rocky creek beds.

• Trailhead – There are two trailheads. The main one is at the parking lot along Little Grand Canyon Rd in Pomona, this leads to the main overlook. There is also parking and a lower trailhead from the bottom parking lot. This leads you straight into the Canyon.

• Trail Summary – Moderate, 3.4-mile loop

• When to go – You can hike this trail all year round, however, the best times to visit are in April, for the Spring wildflowers, and then in October for the fall colors.

• Useful Information – If you hike Little Grand Canyon between mid-Spring to Summer bring bug spray. The mosquitoes can get really bad! Because of the amount of scrambling and climbing, footwear with a decent grip is a must for this trail.

4. Giant City State Park Waterfalls

Giant City State Park is nestled in the Shawnee National Forest and spreads over an area of 4,000 acres across Jackson and Union Counties. There are numerous trails here, and several of the trails have waterfalls.

• Devil’s Standtable Trail – This is a moderate ⅓ mile out and back trail. It’s also one of the official areas in the park for bouldering and rock climbing. The trail features interesting rock formations with natural shelters as well as waterfalls.
• Indian Creek Trail – This is a moderate trail with rugged terrain. It’s a ¾-mile loop trail. This picturesque trail features plenty of scenic creeks as well as natural rock shelters and waterfalls. The shelters were once used by Native Americans, and there is an information board explaining the history of the area.

5. Natural Bridge Waterfall

An incredibly popular waterfall in Shawnee National Forest is the Natural Bridge waterfall at Bell Smith Springs.

There is only a waterfall here after a heavy rain, also known as a wet weather waterfall. It’s still worth it to check out Natural Bridge even if it hasn’t rained recently though!

The natural formation is made entirely from rock and is 125 feet long and 30 feet high. There are several natural bridges in Shawnee National Forest, but this is the largest.

This is one of the most beautiful recreation areas in the Shawnee National Forest, plus it’s an incredibly easy route which adds to its popularity.

The scenic canyons along this route are lined with an abundance of vegetation, and the cascades themselves are made up of a series of clear water rocky pools, with connecting streams, making it an ideal place to take a dip.

• Trailhead – Follow the signs marked ‘Natural Bridge Trail’, it’s the yellow trail, from the Bell Smith Springs parking lot.

• Trail Summary – Easy, 1.4-Mile Loop

• When to go – The Bell Smith Springs trail is open year-round. Most people opt to visit Bell Smith Springs in the summer and fall months to make the most of swimming here. If you visit in the heart of winter, then you’ll be able to see icicles hanging from the bridge.

• Useful Information – This trail gets very busy, particularly during the summer. To avoid the peak of the crowds try to visit on a weekday. For more information on visiting Bell Smith Springs, check out our Complete Visitors Guide to Bell Smith Springs.

6. Garden Of The Gods Waterfalls

Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular areas in Shawnee National Forest for its gorgeous cliffs and rock formations.

If you’re looking for Garden of the Gods waterfalls, you might be disappointed as there aren’t any traditional waterfalls in this area.

Even though there aren’t any constant waterfalls in the Garden of the Gods area, it is possible to see some small wet weather waterfalls in the Garden of the Gods wilderness area after a heavy downpour.

Of all the Shawnee National Forest waterfalls on this list, the waterfalls in this area require some expert-level hiking and navigation skills as you must hike off-trail to find them.

But if you go at just the right time, you will spot lots of small cascades appearing all around while hiking. There is something truly magical about hiking through the woods and being surrounded by the sound of dozens of little streams all around you!

It’s actually not uncommon to see upwards of 50 of these small little waterfalls after a heavy downpour which is a truly unique waterfall experience!

Because the small runoff waterfalls are off-trail and only in very wet conditions, it can be extremely hazardous hiking around this area.

Please only attempt this hike if you are experienced and have the proper hiking equipment, like sturdy boots and a compass. Always let someone know where you’re going as the cell service in this area is hit or miss.

• Trailhead – Garden of the Gods Recreational Area along Picnic Rd, Herod. Follow the signs to the Garden of the Gods Wilderness area and then to Anvil Rock.

• When to go – The waterfalls at Garden of the Gods are only active during the wet season. May and June are typically the wettest months.

• Useful Information – There are restrooms as well as drinking water at Garden of the Gods Recreational Area trailheads. The trail will be muddy during the wet season, so wear good boots.

Other State Parks in Illinois with Waterfalls

7. Kinkaid Lake Spillway

This man-made reservoir was built in 1968 and encompasses an area of 2,750 acres. It’s also one of the best waterfalls in Illinois you can swim in.

The area features a mixture of sandstone bluff formations and rolling hills surrounding the lake. With plenty of shady areas offered by the gnarled oaks and hickories.

To the south of the lake, there is the dam and the spillway. Although man-made, this spillway has created a beautiful waterfall.

From the waterfall follow the trail around and find a shallow area that’s great for swimming. There are also some rocks to the left side of the waterfall that you can climb up, where you’ll be able to see the dam.

• Trailhead – It’s located in southwestern Illinois’ Jackson County. Kinkaid Lake is approximately 5 miles north of Murphysboro and around 100 miles southeast of St. Louis. To get there, use the parking lot at the end of Spillway Road,  you’ll be able to see the huge waterfall from here.

• Trail Summary – Short walk down from the parking area.

• When to go – If you plan on swimming, then visit in the summer. All of the oak trees are absolutely beautiful when they change colors, so fall is also a great time to visit.

• Useful Information – There aren’t any amenities here, so if you plan on having a picnic take everything you need. Note there are no public toilets in the area. Please practice leave no trace principles and leave the area just as you found it. (Or even leave it better than you found it!)

8. Big Rocky Hollow – Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe State Park is an Illinois state park set on 2,430 acres in Johnson County, Illinois. If you’re looking for an Illinois state park with waterfalls, then you won’t be disappointed here. The trail leads to a 100-foot-tall waterfall!

The hike to the waterfalls leads you along the side of a meandering stream, lined with gigantic boulders. The trail gets progressively narrower, and more vegetation appears as you start to approach the waterfall.

If you visit during the springtime, then the water in the creeks can raise to calf height or more. Although there are deep pools along the creek year-round, don’t expect to see a large waterfall if it hasn’t been raining recently.

This easy trail has a gravel path, meaning it’s a great choice for kids and people with mobility issues. There’s also some first come first served camping available.

• Trailhead – Parking is available at the trailhead.

• Trail Summary – Easy, 0.6-Mile out & back trail.

• When to go – During the dry months, the waterfall is mostly non-existent and down to a trickle. Aim to visit during the winter months or after a big downpour if you want to see the waterfall at its best.

• Useful Information – This is one of the most accessible trails on our list, the route is gravel, so it is considered wheelchair accessible although it may still be a little tough. Because of its accessible route, it’s also a great trail for little children too. You are not allowed to take glass containers to the recreational area.

9. Bork Falls – Ferne Clyffe State Park

Another popular hiking trail to see waterfalls in Southern Illinois is Bork Falls. The trail leads you through fern-filled forests, with interesting rock formations. There are several recreational facilities offered at the parking lot, making it a great choice for families with older children.

This is a picturesque trail. Leading through the woods with lots of opportunities for camping, and picnics. Although you can visit it at any time of the year, the waterfall is at its most impressive during the wetter months.

The trail is especially impressive during spring, in particular in the valley. The ground under the trees is covered with purple wildflowers and stretches as far as you can see. It resembles something out of a fairytale!

• Trailhead – Start this trail at the adorably named Happy Hollow Road. Follow the trailhead to Bork’s Waterfall Trail. This gives the best access to the base of the waterfall.

• Trail Summary – Moderate, 3.7-miles out and back trail

• When to go – Visit during the week to avoid the crowds. You can visit all year round, but during the summer months, the falls aren’t quite as impressive, so go after a heavy downpour or in winter or spring.

• Useful Information – Take waterproof boots, as there are several creek crossings along the route. Also, it’s worth knowing that to get to the parking lot, at times (like after a rainfall) you have to drive over the flooded road. The road is located just above the falls, but make sure that your vehicle has some good ground clearance.

Now Go and Enjoy the Waterfalls in Southern Illinois

So now you know everything about visiting the parks in Illinois with waterfalls. We hope this article has given you loads of information to find the best trails to some of the most beautiful Southern IL waterfalls.

Which of the waterfalls in Southern Illinois are you going to visit first? If you’re traveling around the region, why not make a trip over the river to see Missouri’s tallest waterfall!

We hope this article about the best waterfalls in Southern Illinois helps you plan your trip. We would love to connect with you! You can learn more about us here or read more of our recent blog posts here. Also, follow us on Instagram (@UnearthTheVoyage) and Facebook to see what we are up to next!