French and Wildcat Canyons, Overlooks
Length
1.5 - 2 hr
Difficulty
Moderate
About the Hike:
See two of the park’s picturesque canyons and hike to Eagle Cliff and Lovers Leap Overlooks on this two-mile roundtrip hike. French Canyon’s waterfall is 45 feet tall versus Wildcat, which is 90 feet tall. Eagle Cliff, indicated by the name, is a great place to spot eagles in the winter months, and Lovers Leap offers a complete overlook of the Illinois River and Illinois Lock and Dam.
Suggested Route:
Start at the Visitor Center and go straight to French Canyon. Then exit the canyon and go up the steps to the southern-most trail, east to Wildcat Canyon via the bluff trail. After Wildcat Canyon, take the river trail back and visit Beehive Overlook and Eagle Cliff Overlook. Head to Lovers Leap and down the staircase back to the Visitor Center.
Difficulty:
Moderate
5+ staircases, natural stone foot holds, partially paved partially natural sand, dirt, etc.
