Like a sculptor with a chisel, nature used glaciers, wind and water to carve the St. Peter Sandstone into rising bluffs and deep narrow canyons at Starved Rock State Park. For over 400 million years nature has been hard at work slicing and etching the sandstone in order to form spectacular waterfalls. As with any masterpiece, a touch of color was added to enhance the composition. The canyon walls have been decorated with the green tones of fern and moss along with burnt orange fallen leaves.
The trails of Starved Rock provide a passage to 18 high reaching vertical canyons. Late winter snow melt and early spring rains along with the backdrop of the canyons provide the perfect ingredients for the creation of gushing waterfalls. Though Starved Rock provides year round natural beauty, springtime makes this northern Illinois preserve a unique treasure.
Glowing like a laser beam, the St. Louis Canyon waterfall tumbles to the ground. Limestone rocks and trees stand guard over the waterfall.
Gently flowing out of the Illinois Canyon, a stream steps down into a pool of water.
Cascading water and whipping winds have carved the sandstone walls inside of French Canyon.
At the exit of French Canyon, a stream of water gently falls into a waiting pond.