STARVED ROCK STATE PARK
Directions: The park is located at the Utica exit on I-80 in northern Illinois. Quoting from the park brochure," There are eighteen stream-fed canyons, formed by glacial meltwater and stream erosion. They slice dramatically through tree-covered, sandstone bluffs for four miles....the park is best known for fascinating rock formations, primarily made of St. Peter Sandstone". The park seems to have abundant wooden staircases on ascending and descending trails, as well as wooden platforms over dips in the terrain. A number of short trails emanate from the visitor center/lodge. To get away from the crowds there, I offer these suggestions:
Take RT 178 past the min entrance to the parking area for St Louis Canyon. The 0.5 mil trail has an intersection-go right. It ends in a deep punchbowl canyon with a 30 ft waterfall. Now return to the car and take RT 178 to Rt 71. Go left and rive about 4 miles to the parking area for Ottawa and Kaskaskia Canyons. The latter has steep walls and dead ends at a rock wall; Ottawa is a loop trail with steep walls and a large rock shelter. Drive 0.25 mile to the east for Illinois Canyon. This is a longer trail thru continuously winding walls.
Back in the car, go west a couple miles on RT 71 and look for a sign on the right that just says "trail parking". This takes one to both LaSalle and Hennepin Canyons. Take the long descending staircase for LaSalle. The walk ends up parallel to the Illinois River for approx a mile; then look for a white, tall bridge. Turn left before the bridge (the loop will return over the bridge). Follow this ridge top trail until you approach a gigantic rock shelter with a waterfall. Walk under it and pick up the trail again, and follow to the bridge. We backtrack to the staircase and return. At the top of the staircase, note that Hennepin Canyon trail starts on your left. If the Illinois River has experienced recent flooding, forget any of the above.
For additional information on these or other outing locations, call Bob Tyson at 684-5643, or, mailto:robkay43@webtv.net ■