Matthiessen State Park

Waterfalls

What is it about waterfalls that makes them so fascinating?  Is it the sense of awe and wonder that they inspire?  Is it the mystical character of the setting?  Is it the crashing sound of the water over the rocks?  Or is it simply the inherent beauty of the landscape?

Whatever draws us to such places seems to fill a void whenever we visit one.  We feel connected to the landscape in a way that we cannot fully describe.  And when someone asks why it is so special, we tell them that they simply have to experience it for themselves, because words cannot do it justice and pictures cannot capture the life within the water.

Why do so few people visit waterfalls if they have such an impact on us?  I hear people say that they didn't know there were waterfalls so close to us.  Living in southern WI, we are only a two hour drive away from Matthiessen State Park between Oglesby and Utica, IL.



Lake Falls

General Information

Matthiessen State Park is one of my favorite places to hike. It's a two hour drive from home and there are two waterfalls. I love hiking through the canyons and picnicking at the waterfalls.
The bathroom is next to the parking lot (no bathrooms along the trail). There is a pavilion that resembles a fort next to the trailhead. Descend about 150 steps until you reach the rim of the canyon. You will find a bridge in front of you and trails on either side of the canyon rim. The trails on top are fairly gentle, while the trails down in the canyons are more challenging.

There is a lot of beautiful landscape above and in the canyons. The trails along the rim skirt the edge of the canyon and frame the edge of the forest. When the trail is closer to the rim, picturesque views abound.

Three bridges cross the canyons: one above Lake Falls, one above Cascade Falls, and one at the stairway leading down into the lower canyon. There are a few trails leading down into the upper canyon and one trail leading to the lower canyon. Both are great trails. I actually prefer hiking in the canyons to hiking up at the rim.

The trails in the canyons can be muddy and wet, especially the lower canyon. Plan to bring a change of clothes, a towel and a second pair of shoes (if you don't have hiking boots).




Cascade Falls

Character of the Trails

The trails up on the rim are gravel and not difficult at all, slightly more difficult than a walk in the park.  There is one place to watch the map:  a Y intersection in the trail between the bridges over the two waterfalls; one of these leads back down into the canyon.  There is a map posted nearby; please check it carefully to ensure you are on the trail you want to be on.

The stairs down to the canyon are wood.  There is a railing and benches are provided along the stair.

The trails down in the canyons meander back and forth across the river.  At some places there are stepping stones, other places have rocks, and some places have other items to help cross the river; but there may be places that you simply have to step into the shallow water and get your feet wet.

There are a few places down in the canyons where an intermediate step is lacking.  Please be careful.  Be safe and take it slow.  Hiking should be fun, not dangerous.

The water level rises and falls throughout the year and the amount of rainfall.  This changes where you walk in some places.  Near Lake Falls during high water you may need to walk along the very edge on the right side and get your feet wet to get near the falls.  PLEASE do not go into the spot where the water is a different color.  I do not know how deep it is.  I also do not know how deep the water is where the water crashes to the river.  Please use caution and enjoy the waterfall.

In the lower canyon on the left side near the sandy area by the falls is a small cave.  Also it is possible to get behind Cascade Falls, but be careful.  I change into water sandals to get behind the falls.  The canyon wall is steep and slippery.  If you don't have good balance, then please don't attempt to climb back there.

Me standing on a tree

Stepping stones

Stepping stones

Me picnicking

Lake Falls

Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls



Cave

Slideshows

Cascade Falls

Lake Falls

Conclusion

Please enjoy your visit to Matthiessen State Park.  Bring some supplies and make it a picnic with your date.  Have fun and tell others where to go.   :)

Supplies

Suggested-
Water (or gatorade or juice)
Snacks (trail mix, fruit, veggies, beef stick, cheese, anything besides chocolate)
Backpack (to carry everything)
Hiking boots (or a second pair of shoes to change into afterwards)
Change of clothes and a towel
Optional-
Picnic lunch
Camera
Water sandals
Friend/date