St. Louis Canyon
- Height
- 80 ft
- Hike
- 0.8 mi round trip
- Dogs
- Allowed
St. Louis Canyon only runs after rain or snowmelt. St. Louis Canyon is a 80 ft waterfall in LaSalle County, Illinois. Reaching it is a 0.8 mi hike round trip.
Closures and warnings
Throughout 2026 some Starved Rock trails may be closed or limited for a major trail improvement project. Check current trail status before visiting. Wading and swimming in the canyons is prohibited. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 80 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow | Only after rain or snowmelt |
| Flows | March through June |
| Flow note | Seasonal canyon falls fed by snowmelt and rain; often strongest March through June and may dry mid-summer. |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|
Access
| Hike | 0.8 mi round trip |
|---|---|
| Parking | Starved Rock State Park day-use lots near Utica; St. Louis Canyon has a dedicated approach from park trailheads. |
| Fee | No Illinois state park entrance fee stated on the park page |
| Hours | Park trails 7 a.m. until sunset; visitor center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily |
| Managed by | Illinois Department of Natural Resources (Starved Rock State Park) |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is St. Louis Canyon open?
Throughout 2026 some Starved Rock trails may be closed or limited for a major trail improvement project. Check current trail status before visiting. Wading and swimming in the canyons is prohibited. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Park trails 7 a.m. until sunset; visitor center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
How tall is St. Louis Canyon?
St. Louis Canyon drops about 80 ft.
Can you swim at St. Louis Canyon?
No, swimming is not allowed at St. Louis Canyon.
How long is the hike to St. Louis Canyon?
It's a 0.8 mi hike round trip. Parking: Starved Rock State Park day-use lots near Utica; St. Louis Canyon has a dedicated approach from park trailheads.
Is there a fee at St. Louis Canyon?
The fee is No Illinois state park entrance fee stated on the park page.
When is St. Louis Canyon flowing?
It only runs after rain or snowmelt, so it is often dry. It flows March through June. Seasonal canyon falls fed by snowmelt and rain; often strongest March through June and may dry mid-summer.
What are the rules at St. Louis Canyon?
Dogs are allowed.
Nearby
Public land
St. Louis Canyon is inside Starved Rock State Park .
Just outside: Matthiessen State Park (0.8 mi) .
Sources
3
- https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.starvedrock.html (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager, access.hours, access.fee, access.parking, hazardNote)
- https://bobbieswaterfalls.com/waterfalls-of-other-states/illinois-waterfalls/saint-louis-canyon-falls/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi, access.hikeDistanceBasis, waterfall.heightFt)
- https://www.starvedrocklodge.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Park-Questions-and-Answers-Booklet.pdf (accessed September 30, 2026; backs hazardNote, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, waterfall.ephemeral / flowNote, rules.dogs, waterfall.flowMonths)
More: Illinois waterfalls