Dells Area Trailhead - Matthiessen Illinois State Park
Posted by: 
cldisme
N 41° 17.794 W 089° 01.582
16T E 330340 N 4573660
A series of stairs down begins your adventure below... but remember this is how you have to return.
Waymark Code: WM6GFT
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 05/31/2009
Views: 8
The listed coordinates are for the
trailhead down to the trails in the Dells Area of
Matthiessen Illinois State Park. The stairs are approximately 145 steps (depending on how you count landings) on this staircase made of treated wood. On some of the landings, tired hikers can find a bench to rest their weary muscles and bones.
Notes for visiting Matthiessen Illinois State Park :
- Bring plenty of water. It may feel cooler down in the dells area, but with all the stairs you will need some extra water. Plus, the stream water is high in mineral content, and not recommended for drinking.
- Wear clothing you think can get permanently stained. If you bump against on one of the colorful sandstone walls, the color may not wash out of your clothing.
- Wear good hiking shoes that can get wet. Not only do you need good footwear for the stairs, but also for the creek crossings. Many creek crossings are stepping stones and not bridges, so if your foot slips it will get wet.
- Leave a change of clothes in the car. After long afternoon of hiking, our family usually needs to change out of our hiking clothes, whether or not we have fallen in the water. The bathroom facilities by the main parking lot are large enough for you to clean up a little and change. Sorry, no showers.
- Is it hunting season? If your are visiting during the fall or winter, check the
IDNR website to see if the park is closed for hunting.