French Canyon Is Closed: Where to Go Instead at Starved Rock (Spring 2026)
- starvedrockhikers
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
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 scenic routes to explore right now.
This post is here to make it easy. What is closed, what is still open, and where to go instead so you can still have an awesome day in the park.
What is closed right now
French Canyon cannot be accessed from any direction during this phase of the project.
This includes:
French Canyon access from behind the Visitor Center
French Canyon access from the Lodge parking lot and trailhead
Brown Bluff Trail directly above French Canyon
Campanula Trail between French and Wildcat Canyons
These are the areas most directly impacted by the trail improvement work. If you come across caution tape or signage blocking a trail, that section is closed. The best move is to turn around and choose another route.
Other existing closures to know about
Separate from the French Canyon project, a few areas are already closed:
Tonti Canyon and Tonti Bridge
The west side trail from LaSalle Canyon to Tonti Canyon
The staircase from the west entrance to the boat ramp area
Also starting March 30, 2026, the wooden walking bridge on the west side of the Starved Rock Lodge that connects toward Aurora and St. Louis Canyons will be closed for construction.
If hiking from the Lodge, you can still get where you need to go by using the stairs at the back of the Lodge to access the eastern trails, or by driving to the St. Louis Canyon parking area on Route 178 across from Grand Bear. View all available parking lots on our parking page.
What is still open at Starved Rock
The east end of the park remains open from the Visitor Center.
The west end of the park and access to St. Louis Canyon will not be affected by the French Canyon closure.
In other words, Starved Rock is still a great spring destination. You just need to adjust your plan slightly.
Where to go instead if French Canyon was your plan
French Canyon is a favorite for a reason, but you can still get a great waterfall hike in this season.
Here are a few strong spring swaps that won't disappoint.
If you want a classic waterfall hike
LaSalle Canyon is one of the best spring payoffs in the park. It is often flowing well this time of year and gives you that canyon waterfall experience people come for.
St. Louis Canyon is another great option, especially if you want something easier to access. It is also a good choice because it's the only canyon in the park that is spring-fed, so the waterfall is often flowing.
If you want views and overlooks
If your goal is to get up on the bluffs and take in the scenery, start at the Visitor Center and follow the trail towards Lovers Leap and Eagle Cliff Overlook. Both offer great viewpoints of the Illinois River, and Eagle Cliff Overlook is the highest point in the park.
If you just want a solid spring hike with a backup built in
One simple approach is to pick a main goal and a backup goal before you arrive.
For example, plan on one waterfall and one overlook area. If you run into a closure sign or a crowded lot, you already know what you are doing next.
Matthiessen Spring Plan B
If you are visiting the area and want to make the most of your time, Matthiessen State Park is a great spring companion to Starved Rock.
Cascade Falls and Lake Falls are both strong this time of year, especially after rain. The canyon scenery in the Dells is also one of the most impressive sections of trail anywhere in Illinois.
One heads up for spring, the Lower Dells can occasionally flood and may close at times during wet stretches. If that happens, it is still worth visiting. Just pivot to the Upper Dells or other open trails and you will still get a great hike in.
A few quick spring reminders before you go
Spring is one of the best seasons to see waterfalls, but it is also when trail conditions can surprise you.
Expect mud and slick spots, especially near waterfalls and in low areas
Wear waterproof footwear if you have it
View all available hikes at Starved Rock on our Hikes page.
Walk through puddles, not around them, and stay on marked trails
Dress in layers because mornings and afternoons can feel like two different seasons
Check the weather and be ready for a quick rain shower
Introducing the Waterfall Collection
Spring is waterfall season, and we created something for the people who chase it. Our Waterfall Collection features original canyon sketches turned into seven individual hat designs, each one tied to a specific Starved Rock waterfall. If you have a favorite canyon you return to every year, this is for you.
Where to find the latest updates
Trail conditions can change quickly in spring, and construction schedules can shift as work progresses.
Before you head out, check our Park Dashboard for the latest trail conditions and closure updates. You can also stop by the Starved Rock State Park Visitor Center when you arrive. Staff and volunteers can help you choose a route based on what is open that day.
Starved Rock is still a beautiful place to explore in spring. With a little planning, you can have an incredible hike, see flowing waterfalls, and discover a few new favorites along the way.
Learn more about the Starved Rock State Park Trail Improvement Project at this link.
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