Just 2 Hours from Chicago: A Canyon & Waterfall Paradise! šæš¦
Living in Chicago for years, I had no idea such a national park-level wonder existed nearby! Last weekend, we spontaneously visited Starved Rock State Parkāand wow, the canyons, waterfalls, cliffs, and forest trails felt like stepping into a nature documentary. š¶ Our Hike: French Canyon + Wildcat Canyon ā¢ Departure: Left Chicago at 10 AM, arrived by noon (perfect timing!). ā¢ Weather: Cloudy ā sunny, ideal for hiking. ā¢ Highlights: ā¢ French Canyon: Moss-covered stone walls + cascading waterfallsāso cool and refreshing! ā¢ Wildcat Canyon: A "hidden curtain" waterfall that feels straight out of a movie. ā¢ Eagle Cliff & Loverās Leap: Epic overlooks of the Illinois River (like standing at the "edge of the world"). ā¢ Wildlife: Friendly squirrels + birds everywhere! šæļøš¦ š Seasonal Magic ā¢ Spring (April-May): Gushing waterfalls + wild bluebells (Illinois Canyon = dreamy!). ā¢ Fall (October): Fiery maple forests š + canyon backdrops = Instagram heaven. ā¢ Summer (July): Post-rain waterfalls (like we saw!) are just right. š” Tips for Your Trip ā¢ Parking: $5/day (totally worth it!). ā¢ Trails: Well-marked but wear sturdy shoes (some rocks can be slippery!). ā¢ Crowds: Weekdays = quieter; weekends = lively. #WeekendEscapes #ChicagoHiking #NatureTherapy #MidwestAdventures #StarvedRock #WaterfallChaser
