Where: Starved Rock State Park

How to get there: You can get to the hiking trails from the Visitor's Center or by driving to one of the several parking lots along the trails.

What it's like: The hiking trails around Starved Rock lead to several majestic bluffs, canyons and even waterfalls. There are 13 miles of well-marked trails leading you through 18 canyons formed millions of years ago by moving water from the melting glaciers. The canyons cut through tree-covered sandstone bluffs which reside along the Illinois River. The trails take you past waterfalls that form at the heads of all 18 canyons in the early spring.

To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections and points of interest. This is very helpful and comforting since you can verify you are still on the correct trail. There are colored posts along the trails, corresponding to colors on the maps, and letter symbols on the trail brochure to further assist you. Finally, yellow dots on trees or posts indicate that you are moving away from the lodge or visitor center, and white dots mean you are returning.

One does not expect to see spectacular natural formations in the Midwest. Most of the land is very flat. The rock formations found at Starved Rock are a major contrast to the prairies of the Midwest. The rock formations the park is best known for were created more that 425 million years ago at the bottom of the sea. When the sea subsided, these interesting canyons and bluffs were exposed to us when they rose to the surface. When hiking the trails, you will see waterfalls, rivers and streams which undercut cliffs, creating overhangs in the sandstone. In fact, most of the rock formations are made from St. Peter sandstone. Other sights can be seen by hiking up onto the bluffs themselves, which provide vantage points for enjoying spectacular vistas.

Dogs are allowed to accompany their owners on the hiking trails as long as they are leashed and the owners clean up after them. Many dogs like to play in the river and our dog loved running up and down the trails. Remember to bring extra water for the dog too!

The trails are very well kept and a variety of hikes are available for various fitness levels. The red trail is the flattest trail and while there are a few stairs, most of the hike is on a paved path along the Illinois River. Hike the red trail from Wildcat Canyon back towards the lodge and catch the view from Beehive Overlook, Eagle Cliff Overlook, and Lover's Leap Overlook. For a slightly more aggressive hike, park near the western trails and hike through parts of Owl Canyon over to LaSalle Canyon. You will descend, and later climb back up, over 100 stairs near Owl Canyon. The rangers listed LaSalle Canyon, Wildcat Canyon and St. Louis Canyon as the top three in the park. My opinions is that whether you take a long hike from the Visitors Center or your drive part of the way and park nearby, a trek to LaSalle Canyon is definitely a must.