Wildcat Canyon Waterfall
LaSalle County, Illinois
Your visit at a glance
- Waterfall height
- Not recorded
- Location
- LaSalle County, Illinois
- Access status
- Marked state park trail with stairs; 2026 trail work may limit access
- The walk
- About 2.6 miles return
- Ground & access
- Well-marked woodland trail with stairs and wooden plank sections. The visitor center route is rated moderate because of the stairs.
Wildcat Canyon in Starved Rock State Park has a waterfall during snowmelt and after rain. From the visitor center a marked trail runs via French Canyon to overlooks on either side of Wildcat Canyon, and a flight of stairs leads down to the canyon floor. The trail from the lodge is easier.
Plan your visit
Starved Rock Visitor Center via French Canyon to Wildcat Canyon
onX lists the Wildcat Canyon Trail via French Canyon as 2.6 miles there and back. An easier trail from the lodge also reaches the canyon; its distance is not given.
Well-marked woodland trail with stairs and wooden plank sections. The visitor center route is rated moderate because of the stairs.
Where to start
Starved Rock Visitor Center area. The lots are often crowded.
Timing & water
Trails open 7 a.m. until sunset. IDNR warns that during 2026 some trails may be closed or limited for a trail improvement project; check before visiting. The waterfall runs mainly after rain and snowmelt.
Before you go
No fee or reservation is mentioned in the reviewed sources. Groups of 20 or more need advance permission from IDNR.
Visitor informationMore waterfalls nearby
Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.
- Saint Louis Canyon WaterfallOfficial trailhead and open trail; distance not publishedLaSalle County, IL1.2 miW
Ottawa Canyon WaterfallPublished route with matching coordinates; state park hoursLaSalle County, IL2.0 miE- Lake FallsLaSalle County, IL2.5 miSW
- Cascade FallsState park canyon loop with stairs; hunting-season closure datesLaSalle County, IL2.6 miSW