Starved Rock State Park is located on a layer of sandstone that has been carved through by the Illinois River. This produced cliffs that the rainwater also wore away at a slower rate. The result is some spectacular canyons leading back away from the river. Rainwater drainage and shallow springs now create several waterfalls within the park.
Sometimes, after a heavy rain, the water comes rushing down off the uplands to pour over the canyon wall in a spectacular waterfall of high volume. Later during the dry season of late summer and early fall, the falls may be just a trickle of spring water, or may even dry up. In the cold of winter, the low flow of water over the edge often freezes and the ice buildup slowly climbs the canyon until it reaches the top, creating a frozen waterfall of immense beauty.
When you come for a visit, what will you find? Stop in at the visitor center and get a map of the trails and ask for directions to the waterfalls.
French Canyon waterfall is about 2/10 mile hike from the visitor center near the parking area.