Visit the forest during the right conditions (wet weather) and you can chase waterfalls all day long and even all weekend long if you have more than one day to explore. Many of the waterfalls are easy to get to but some of the hidden gems may take a little bit of hiking. For more details: Visit booth C11A or www.southernmostillinois.com
Ghost Dance Canyon, Golconda, Illinois
This amazing waterfall sits quietly in Dixon Springs State Park and provides a one-of-a-kind, unique waterfall experience in Shawnee Forest Country. What makes this waterfall so unique is the pile of huge boulders laid on top of one another in the creek. When water is flowing, it shoots through the spaces in between the boulders giving you one of the best waterfall views in the area.
To reach this waterfall, park in front of the park’s public swimming pool and cross the creek bridge taking the Ghost Dance Canyon trail. You’ll have to cross the creek. The hike to the waterfall is about a 1-mile out and back. The waterfall is located at 37.38144, -88.67321.
Cedar Wonders Waterfalls, Simpson, Illinois
The amazing waterfalls of the Cedar Wonders are some of the best. The whole canyon offers multiple waterfalls when conditions are right. Among the waterfalls, visitors should check out Easter Basket Waterfalls and then go see Easter Basket Arch nearby. The arch might be one of the smallest natural arches you’ll ever lay eyes on.
To reach the trailhead, take Gum Springs Road from Gilead Church Road. Drive about a mile until you cross the creek and the trailhead will be on your left. Take the River to River trail west. This will be a few miles of hiking and is shared with horseback riders. The waterfall is located at 37.50443, -88.78086. The natural arch is located at 37.50432, -88.78155.
Bork Falls (Hippy Hollow), Goreville, Illinois
Bork Falls also known as Hippy Hollow is an amazing waterfall located in a remote section of Ferne Clyffe State Park. This area isn’t connected to the main state park. Bork Falls features a creek that runs over the road feeding down the main waterfall. The waterfall is large, and it features a large cave shelter next to it. This is defiantly a one-of-a-kind sight to see. As a remote section of the park, you can expect this area to have less people visiting it.
To reach the trailhead, take Goreville blacktop to Regent Lane and carefully drive to where the creek crosses the road. You can drive over it and parking is to your left up the hill. Follow the trail down that edges the bluff line. The hike is out and back and is less than a quarter of a mile. The waterfall is located at 37.54175, -89.02084.
Cove Hollow, Pomona, Illinois
Cove Hollow is a trail located on Cedar Lake near Pomona and Carbondale. It features an amazing waterfall with a nice shelter cave in the background. This waterfall is easy to get to and the trail continues through scenic bluffs and amazing views of Cedar Lake. People also enjoy visiting this lake to kayak as well.
To reach this waterfall, take Highway 127 to Dutch Ridge Road. After about a mile, turn onto Cedar Hollow Road and drive to the end to the trailhead. Take the trail and head southwest to reach the waterfall. This trail out and back will be about a mile long. The waterfalls are located at 37.63796, -89.29246.
Piney Creek Ravine, Ava, Illinois
Piney Creek Ravine is a two-birds with one stone win for hikers looking for waterfalls and ancient Native American rock art. Not only will you see multiple waterfalls without having to leave the trail, but you’ll also see the largest amount of Native American rock art in the entire state of Illinois. Much of this rock art is dated over 4,000 years ago during the Late Woodland and Mississippian archaic periods. Please remember to stay on the trail and Leave No Trace when visiting this precious area.
The trailhead is located at these coordinates 37.89045, -89.63836. Take the designated trail system which is a loop consisting of a few miles. You will have to cross a creek in order to do the full loop. This is a Nature Preserve so you are asked to stay on the designated trail. Please note that live surveillance cameras are up to protect the Native American rock art wall.
Waterfall Chasing Tips (Best time to try to catch water falling is January to April)
• Please put safety first before all else and leave the Shawnee with great memories, not injuries. Many injuries and even fatalities can happen around waterfalls. Wet rock will be as slick as ice.
• The best time to see active waterfalls is after a few days of rain. Check the local creeks. If they have a good flow and depth, then you can expect some good flowing waterfalls.
• All waterfalls in southern Illinois are rainfall dependent. If we have not had any rain for a while, you should expect the waterfalls to be dry.
• Always make sure you wear proper footwear, bring plenty of water and snacks, and always tell somewhere where you are going.
• If you encounter horseback riders while hiking, yield to the riders while talking to them so that the horse knows you are a human.
• Make sure you bring a camera and make plenty of memories because the amazing waterfalls of Shawnee Forest Country will keep you smiling for days.
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