Cascade Falls - Matthiessen Illinois State Park
Posted by: 
cldisme
N 41° 17.819 W 089° 01.628
16T E 330277 N 4573707
The highlight to a trip to Matthiessen Illinois State Park.
Waymark Code: WM1ZX1
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 08/11/2007
Views: 57
On a hot summer day, a hike through
Matthiessen Illinois State Park is enjoyable because it is usually a few degrees cooler in the dells and under the shade.
However, the heat catches up to you, and you need a little refreshing shower. You can then hike down to the lower dells, and, if you are sure-footed enough, wander under the Cascade Falls.
In order to visit and fully explore the dells area, you must be in good enough physical shape to walk stairs -
A lot of stairs. If you pace yourself, you will be fine.
Other notes for visiting:
- 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 gone to Cascade Falls. The bathroom facilities by the main parking lot (N41d17.757' W89d01.549') 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.