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Illinois Canyon
4.8 ★★★★★ 127 Google reviews · Running trail in Ottawa, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- 1 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Illinois Canyon's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Mellow, circa 1-mile hike featuring a winding creek and waterfalls, plus canyon views.
What runners say about Illinois Canyon
“Illinois Canyon is beautiful and the hike to it is awesome.”
“Very peaceful and it connects to other trails as well that had more inclines and had steep trails.”
“Really pretty and easy trail at the far end of strv3d rock state park.”
Really pretty and easy trail at the far end of strv3d rock state park. The parking loot is kinda hard to see from 71 and is located right next to the bridge over the small crick. The hike itself is less than 1 mile round trip but quiet on weekdays.
Disclaimer: Please come prepared. After a good snow melt or heavy rains, Illinois canyon becomes a playground. We crossed the stream three times before being granted with a spectacular waterfall surrounded by massive Bluffs. One of my favorite hikes in the area.
Great hidden gem of Starved Rock. The hike is very easy, but the views are amazing. We will be going back again in the fall and winter also.
This is a great easy-moderate quiet trail that is fairly underrated for all it offers. The trail has a short gravel path leading into from the parking lot and takes you onto packed dirt, rocks, and sand. The ground is uneven at times and you may encounter lots of downed trees which make it difficult to bike.
Trail conditions & character
“We crossed the stream three times before being granted with a spectacular waterfall surrounded by massive Bluffs.”
“Very peaceful and it connects to other trails as well that had more inclines and had steep trails.”
“The trail has a short gravel path leading into from the parking lot and takes you onto packed dirt, rocks, and sand.”
“The trail has a short gravel path leading into from the parking lot and takes you onto packed dirt, rocks, and sand.”
“The trail isn't difficult by any means but if all you've done is flat terrain then this will more challenging.”
“None of the trails at Starved Rock are ADA accessible.”
Plan your run at Illinois Canyon
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- Distance1 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitestarvedrockstatepark.org
- Phone+1 815-667-4211
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Ottawa
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ottawa Canyon Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 54 reviews
Trail-filled site with 3 canyons, a waterfall and scenic rock walls.
Starved Rock State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 17,508 reviews
Hiking, fishing & boating in a historic landmark area with canyons & trails plus a lodge & cabins.
River Bluff Trail Trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
I&M Canal State Trail Access - Buffalo Rock
4.8 ★★★★★ 6 reviews