Waterfall Hero Hikes: French Canyon Falls (Starved Rock)

French Canyon Falls is a 45-foot waterfall through its namesake canyon in LaSalle County. The waterfall is located in Starved Rock State Park.

Hike Length: 0.4 miles
Estimated Time: < 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Location: Starved Rock State Park
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are very slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 41.31743,-88.99382
Waterfall GPS: 41.31789,-88.99086

Directions:

From Ottawa, head west on IL-71 for about 9 miles and turn right on E 875th Street to enter Starved Rock State Park. The parking area for the lodge is on the right in about 0.1 miles.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the parking area, take the spur trail that leads down towards French Canyon. It is at the eastern end of the parking lot and there's a sign to French Canyon. Descend down to the base of the canyon and make a right to head into the canyon. If the water's up, it's difficult to get far in the canyon.

This waterfall is very dependent on water level and can completely dry up.