GETAWAYS
Starved Rock & Matthiessen State Park,
May 1-2, 2025
If this is your first hike of the season, please register for the season and fill out the mandatory Annual Registration Waiver.
May 1-2
2-days
$100.00
Difficulty rating
Miles
5 miles on Day 1, 2.5 miles on Day 2.
Starved Rock treats us to cascading waterfalls, sandstone canyons, spring flowers, and the thrill of standing upon cliffs overlooking the Illinois River. At Matthiessen Park, we will get our feet wet as we rock-hop over the stream and admire 3 waterfalls. These parks are absolutely gorgeous , and it’s no wonder that it is the #1 state park in Illinois.
Over two days we will explore over 7 miles of terrain, see 9 waterfalls, 11 canyons, 1,000s of spring flowers, and countless memories.
We will stay overnight at the historic log-built Starved Rock Lodge. Hot tub, sauna, and large pool included.
What to Bring
Sack trail lunch for each day
2 water bottles for each day
Hiking stick
Poncho
Sturdy hiking shoes/boots. There will be mud!
Water boots or shoes for day 2.
Phone/camera
Dress in layers
Backpack
Hotel
Starved Rock Lodge: One Lodge Lane, Oglesby, IL 61348
(815) 667-4211 or toll-free 1-(800) 868-7625
This great hotel offers a hot tub, 2 saunas, and a large indoor pool.
All rooms include WiFi, mini fridge, micro, TV, hair dryer, iron/board, and toiletries, single serve coffee.
Trailbound is holding a block for rooms for you to reserve under your name and credit card. When reserving a room, ask for Trailbound Trips APRIL block. There is limited availability for these rooms, and are only being held till mid February.
Room rates are $170.00 plus tax/night, only available in the Modern wing of the lodge.
Driving Directions
Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center
2678 East 875th Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
DAY 1
Our hike begins from the Visitor Center and takes us along the river through mulitple canyons, whose cliffs tower 100 feet above us. We can stand behind an 80 foot cascading waterfall and feel its power. On the Illinois River, we should see the migrating majestic White Pelicans, as they soar and dive for fish near the dam. Lunch will be enjoyed along the scenic Illinois River, where time seems to slow down as we take in the tranquil views and the gentle flow of the river. After our lunch, we will return on the bluff trail to our cars, and then drive to the beautiful Illinois canyon. This canyon, famous for its many bluebells, is truly magical. Finally, we will visit the Council Overhang and Kaskaska Canyon, where we can only imagine the gatherings of Native Americans.
This is a 4 to 5 mile hike that has many stairs and will have muddy and rocky places.
Check in to your hotel and freshen up before dinner.
Dinner at the historic Starved Rock lodge. Enjoy a delicious dinner (on your own cost) and the warm camaraderie.
Savor free time to swim, soak tired muscles in a hot tub, join in group games in the great room, or simply relax.
DAY 2
Breakfast on your own. Meals available at Starved Rock Lodge.
Meet at Starved Rock Lodge, leave for Matthiessen State Park via your car, bringing a sack lunch.
This hike may be “the best for last”. This 2.5-mile path at Matthiessen State Park starts at the upper canyon and winds its way down to the lower canyon. Here we rock-hop back and forth over a stream, past 3 charming waterfalls, and through two 100-foot-high sandstone dells. Bluebell wildflowers and happy frogs abound here!
Water shoes are recommended, or ones you don’t mind getting wet. Tevas, Keens, or rubber boots work well.
Plunging in the water is optional.
Lunch on the trail.
Our final trail to St. Louis Canyon is a short 10-minute walk. Another beautiful canyon with an 80 ft waterfall, at its best in the spring.
Head home—relaxed and with a sense of great accomplishment.
Registration Cost
Included in booking:
2 guides for 2 days of hiking and evening camaraderie
Itinerary and areas of interest
Not included:
Hotel room
All meals
Cancellations
You may cancel your Getaway to Starved Rock for a full refund if made 30 days in advance.
If you cancel less than 30 days, a refund will be made if your spot can be filled from a wait list.
If you cancel less than 72 hours, Trailbound will not refund your registration.
Please email: hello@trailboundtrip.com to request a cancellation.
Itinerary may change due to weather.