Ranking the Canyons at Starved Rock State Park

If there's one place in Illinois I never get tired of exploring, it's Starved Rock State Park. With towering sandstone walks, winding trails, waterfalls, and 18 beautiful canyons to explore, there's always something new to see.

But with so many canyons packed into the park, I've definitely developed my favorites. So after exploring them all numerous times, I decided to rank all seven of the main canyons at Starved Rock. Of course, this ranking is completely based on my personal experience.

1. St. Louis Canyon

St. Louis Canyon is my number one pick. The trail itself is scenic, but once you enter the canyon, the towering sandstone walls really steal the show. Add in the seasonal waterfall at the end, and it has that combination of scenery, adventure, and wow factor that makes it stand out to me.

2. LaSalle Canyon

LaSalle Canyon was an easy choice for my number two spot. Like St. Louis, the trail leading into the canyon is beautiful, and once you get inside,those towering sandstone walls give you that same wow factor. One thing I really love about this canyon is that you can walk behind the waterfall!

3. French Canyon

French Canyon takes my number 3 spot, and one of the biggest reasons is how unique the canyon itself feels. The rock formation gives it a character that sets it apart from some of the other canyons at Starved Rock.

Another bonus? It's one of the easiest canyon hikes in the park, making it a great option when you want to experience those beautiful sandstone formations without committing to a longer or more challenging hike.

4. Kaskaskia Canyon

Kaskaskia Canyon might be my biggest hot take on this list. It isn't as dramatic as some of the other canyons at Starved Rock, but that's actually part of what I love about it. It tends to feel quieter and less traveled, which makes it a great choice when I'm looking for a more peaceful hike. I love slowing down and enjoying a peaceful trail than feel like I have to rush through a crowded area, and Kaskaskia gives me more of that experience.

It's also an easy, flat hike so you can enjoy the canyon without a challenging trek to get there. While it may not have the biggest waterfall or most dramatic canyon walls, its peaceful atmosphere is what makes it stand out to me.

5. Wildcat Canyon

Wildcat Canyon might be the placement that surprises people the most. It's a beautiful canyon with dramatic sandstone walls and one of the tallest waterfalls at Starved Rock, which definitely makes it stand out.

There's a lot to love about Wildcat, and I always enjoy exploring it. But when I had to rank all seven canyons, it was surprisingly difficult to choose between so many beautiful spots. For me, some of the other canyons offered a little more of that overall experience I look for in a hike. That definitely doesn't doesn't mean I don't love Wildcat, it was just a tough list to rank!

6. Ottawa Canyon

Ottawa Canyon is another one of those spots that I think is really pretty, especially if you're looking for a more peaceful hike. The canyon has beautiful sandstone walls and a seasonal waterfall, but compared to some of the others on the list, it just didn't have quite the same wow factor for me. That being said, I still think it's worth exploring. After all, being number six on my list doesn't mean it isn't a beautiful canyon, it just means Starved Rock has a lot of really impressive ones to choose from!

7. Illinois Canyon

Illinois Canyon takes number seven on my list, but that doesn't mean it isn't worth exploring. It's a pretty and scenic canyon, with beautiful rock formations and a peaceful trail to enjoy. The waterfall here is smaller that the others in the park, and when I'm choosing between all seven canyons, that makes it a little harder for me to pick Illinois Canyon over the others.

Still, every canyon at Starved Rock has something different to offer, and Illinois Canyon is a beautiful place to slow down and enjoy the scenery.

So, Which Starved Rock Canyon is the Best?

After ranking all seven, St. Louis Canyon still takes the top spot for me. The combination of the scenic trail, dramatic canyon walls, and an impressive waterfall gives it everything I look for in a Starved Rock hike.

But honestly, one of my biggest takeaways from doing this ranking is that there really isn't a bad canyon to explore. Each one has something different to offer. Some are more dramatic, some are quieter, some have impressive waterfalls, and some are simply fun to wander through.

If you're visiting Starved Rock, I wouldn't limit yourself to just the canyon at the top of my list. Part of the fun is exploring them for yourself and deciding which one becomes your favorite!

Tips for Exploring Starved Rock's Canyons

• Go after rainfall is you want the best chance of seeing the waterfalls flowing.

• Wear shoes with good traction. The canyon trails and rock surfaces can be slippery and uneven.

• Give yourself plenty of time. Don't feel like you need to rush from canyon to canyon.

• Check trail conditions before you go, especially after heavy rain or during seasonal closures.

• Bring water, especially if you're planning to explore several canyons in one visit.

• If you're hiking with your dog, keep in mind that some areas can be rocky, muddy, or challenging for paws. Make sure to follow the park's dog policy.