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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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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
2 days ago4 min read
2025 Highlights | Stewardship, Growth, and New Perspectives
Together, we reached new milestones. We welcomed thousands of new members, introduced tools that helped visitors in every season, and gave back in meaningful ways. But most of all, we proved that the best way to care for these parks is by sharing them.
Here are just a few of the moments that made 2025 unforgettable:
starvedrockhikers
Dec 26, 20254 min read
Winter Hiking Recommendations
Recommendations to enhance your Winter hiking experience!
starvedrockhikers
Dec 13, 20254 min read
Importance of Winter Shoe Traction
Non-slip shoes do not provide enough traction when on the icy trails. Adding extra traction to your boots with Yaktrax, Microspikes, or ...
starvedrockhikers
Dec 12, 20252 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
Visiting/Photographing Sunflowers at Matthiessen State Park, IL
Sunflowers are back at Matthiessen State Park, IL. Here's all the details you need to make your next trip to the sunflowers a success...
starvedrockhikers
Jul 11, 20253 min read
Where to Park at Starved Rock: A First-Time Visitor’s Guide
Whether you’re here for a quick photo op or a full-day adventure, here’s how to find the best spot for your plans.
starvedrockhikers
May 11, 20252 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
Apr 29, 20254 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
Fall Hiking Recommendations
The most anticipated questions around hiking at Starved Rock during Fall to help make your day a breeze.
starvedrockhikers
Oct 3, 20243 min read
Beat the Heat with these 5 Tips
Days are getting longer, the sun is shining, and it's the middle of summer. While summer is a great time to hit the trails, it is...
starvedrockhikers
Jul 23, 20243 min read
How to Take Your Best Photos on the Next Hike
How do you capture your best photos on your next hike? Hear from a local photographer to help make your next photography hike a success...
starvedrockhikers
Sep 3, 20233 min read
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