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Trail Talk Blog
Recommended hikes, insider tips, park events, season updates, and more - straight from the trails.
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Spring Flowers Have Arrived
Flowers are never more beautiful than in the spring season, so be on the lookout for blooming petals and bright colors! As you walk...

starvedrockhikers
Apr 165 min read


Spring: An Opportunity to Reconnect with Nature
Go outside, your mind and body will appreciate it!
The days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and...

starvedrockhikers
Apr 63 min read


French Canyon Is Closed: Where to Go Instead at Starved Rock (Spring 2026)
French Canyon is temporarily closed for trail improvements, but Starved Rock State Park is still open for spring hiking. Starting the week of March 23, 2026, a small section of trails around French Canyon will be closed through June while construction is underway. It can sound like a lot when you read the official updates, but the good news is simple. This is a limited area compared to the full trail system, and there are still plenty of great waterfalls, overlooks, and sceni

starvedrockhikers
Apr 14 min read


Top 5 Waterfalls to Visit this Spring
Springtime is the best time for seeing waterfalls in Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks. Snowmelt and increased rainfall help the...

starvedrockhikers
Mar 295 min read


Seven Starved Rock Waterfalls Featured in New Hat Collection from Starved Rock Hikers
Expanded leather patch collection introduces seven waterfalls and new hat styles. OTTAWA, IL — After the strong response to its original true-to-life sketch hats, Starved Rock Hikers is expanding the collection with new styles, additional canyon designs, and fresh ways to represent Starved Rock State Park. Starved Rock State Park Hat Collection Since launching in 2021, the brand’s leather patch hats have featured authentic sketches created from real photographs captured insi

starvedrockhikers
Mar 183 min read


Hiking Starved Rock in Spring: Mud, Waterfalls, Closures, and What to Know
Everything you need for mud season; spring trail conditions, what to wear, how to protect the trails, and where to check current updates. Spring at Starved Rock doesn’t start with sunshine. It starts with thaw. March into early April is mud season : frozen ground softens, snowmelt runs off the bluffs, and rainfall becomes more frequent. Waterfalls start flowing again, the first greenery appears, and the trails can go from “totally fine” to “how is my boot still on?” in a sing

starvedrockhikers
Mar 14 min read


Starved Rock State Park 2026 Event Calendar & Program Guide
Discover exciting Starved Rock events in 2026! From hikes to art shows, explore nature's beauty. Don't miss out on these Starved Rock events

starvedrockhikers
Dec 2, 20254 min read


How to Celebrate Earth Day at One of Illinois’ Most Beloved Parks
Earth Day is April 22, 2025, and the global theme this year is "Our Power, Our Planet". his theme focuses on the crucial role of renewable energy…

starvedrockhikers
Apr 15, 20252 min read


What to Expect: Spring Trail Conditions
Waterfalls are flowing, flowers are starting to bloom, greenery is appearing, and rainfall is occurring more often. This leads to muddy...

starvedrockhikers
Apr 5, 20252 min read


Upcoming Adventures at Starved Rock: Your Guide to 2025 Events
Discover exciting Starved Rock events in 2025! From hikes to art shows, explore nature's beauty. Don't miss out on these Starved Rock events

starvedrockhikers
Feb 5, 20253 min read


Hiking is Good for Your Health
By incorporating hiking into your lifestyle, you can reduce your risk and manage various health conditions. Here are some...

starvedrockhikers
Jul 3, 20232 min read


Starved Rock Hikers Launches New Map for Starved Rock State Park
A unique, visually appealing, hand-drawn Starved Rock map for all hikers. The new map is designed to...

starvedrockhikers
Apr 18, 20232 min read


Camping Near Starved Rock State Park
As spring gets closer & the weather warms up, camping season has arrived. Camping is a great way to experience & be one with the outdoors...

starvedrockhikers
Apr 12, 20232 min read


Hikers, We Need Your Help with Waterfall Flow Reports
Starved Rock Hikers, a group dedicated to enhancing the hiking experience in the Starved Rock region, is seeking the general public’s help..

starvedrockhikers
Mar 24, 20231 min read
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