Ferne Clyffe Falls is said to be the most visited waterfall in Illinois, and for good reason; you can actually walk behind this waterfall! Though the flow isn’t always consistent – try going after a big rain to see the most impressive falls – it’s beautiful no matter the weather. It’s fairly easy to get to as well, making it the perfect outing for families.
The waterfall is nestled in the 2,430 acres of Ferne Clyffe State Park.
Friends of Ferne Clyffe/Facebook Begin your journey at the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. Don’t worry about difficulty; you’ll walk less than a mile round-trip to see the falls and get back to the car.
You’ll know you’ve reached your destination when you see the beautiful waterfall.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources/Facebook Ferne Clyffe Falls is divided into two parts. The main waterfall is 50 feet high, with water falling over the cliff. Then, the water cascades over smaller rocks for about 20 feet before resting in a shallow pool.
If you’re feeling adventurous, climb right up to the waterfall.
Friends of Ferne Clyffe/Facebook There’s room to walk in the crevice of the cliff, but you may have to crouch. Step carefully, as the rocks will be wet!
When you get behind the waterfall, look out on the park below.
Kelly Barr/Facebook Visitors can’t resist sticking their hands out to feel the water as it’s falling. If no one else is around, sit down for a bit and enjoy the water falling around you.
Even the less adventurous among us can enjoy the lower falls.
Brittany Elswick/Facebook Kids and adults alike enjoy climbing along the lower part of the waterfall. It’s a refreshing way to end the day before you hike back to the car.
To visit Ferne Clyffe State Park, drive south on IL-37 from Downtown Goreville. In just 2 minutes, you will arrive at the entrance to the park.
Friends of Ferne Clyffe/Facebook
Begin your journey at the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. Don’t worry about difficulty; you’ll walk less than a mile round-trip to see the falls and get back to the car.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources/Facebook
Ferne Clyffe Falls is divided into two parts. The main waterfall is 50 feet high, with water falling over the cliff. Then, the water cascades over smaller rocks for about 20 feet before resting in a shallow pool.
There’s room to walk in the crevice of the cliff, but you may have to crouch. Step carefully, as the rocks will be wet!
Kelly Barr/Facebook
Visitors can’t resist sticking their hands out to feel the water as it’s falling. If no one else is around, sit down for a bit and enjoy the water falling around you.
Brittany Elswick/Facebook
Kids and adults alike enjoy climbing along the lower part of the waterfall. It’s a refreshing way to end the day before you hike back to the car.
If you want to visit more destinations like this one, here are 5 Unbelievable Illinois Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight.
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