STARVED ROCK STATE PARK:

• Trails are open every day of the year from 7 a.m. until sunset. 

• To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections, and parking lots at the park. 

• Camping is prohibited outside of the state campground.

• Rock climbing, rapelling, and scaling the sandstone features including the canyon walls is prohibited.

• Ground fires outside of the state campground are prohibited. 

• Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they are kept on a leash, their owners pick up after them and dispose of waste in trash cans, and provide them adequate water while on the trail. Do not let your dog drink out of the canyon waterfalls, creeks, or Illinois River. 

• Biking is not allowed on the hiking trails at Starved Rock State Park. 

• Trails close at sunset and all hikers must be off of the trail system before dark. 

• Alcohol is prohibited on all trails. 

• Drones are prohibited in all areas of the park. 

• Swimming in the Illinois River, canyon creeks, canyon pools, or waterfalls is prohibited. 

• In case of an accident or emergency, please call 911. Red QR Codes are posted by or on every trail map along trail intersections and parking lots at the park.

• Groups of 20 or more persons must have advance written (Activity Permit) permission from the Site Superintendent or Site Manager.

• Metal detecting is not allowed.

• It is illegal to possess intoxicating substances within the park.

• It is illegal to go off trail or make new trails within the park.

• Click here for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Informational Page

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MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK:​

• Trails are open every day of the year from 7 a.m. until sunset.  

• To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections, and parking lots at the park. 

• Rock climbing, rapelling, and scaling the sandstone features including the canyon walls is prohibited.

• Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they are kept on a leash, their owners pick up after them and dispose of waste in trash cans, and provide them adequate water while on the trail. Do not let your dog drink out of the canyon waterfalls, creeks, or Illinois River. 

  Bicycles, scooters, skates, and skateboards are not allowed on the trails in the Matthiessen Dells Area. Bike trails can be found at the Matthiessen Vermillion River Area only.

• Trails close at sunset and all hikers must be off of the trail system before dark. 

• Alcohol is prohibited on all trails. 

• Swimming in canyon creeks, canyon pools, or waterfalls is prohibited. 

• In case of an accident or emergency, please call 911. Red QR Codes are posted by or on every trail map along trail intersections and parking lots at the park.

• Groups of 20 or more persons must have advance written (Activity Permit) permission from the Site Superintendent or Site Manager.

• Metal detecting is not allowed.

• It is illegal to possess intoxicating substances within the park.

• It is illegal to go off trail or make new trails within the park.

• Click here for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Informational Page

​

BUFFALO ROCK STATE PARK:

• Trails are open every day of the year from 7 a.m. until sunset.  

• To keep you oriented, trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections, and parking lots at the park. 

• Rock climbing, rapelling, and scaling the sandstone features including the canyon walls is prohibited.

• Dogs are allowed at the park as long as they are kept on a leash, their owners pick up after them and dispose of waste in trash cans, and provide them adequate water while on the trail. Do not let your dog drink out of the canyon waterfalls, creeks, or Illinois River. 

• Trails close at sunset and all hikers must be off of the trail system before dark. 

• Alcohol is prohibited on all trails. 

• Swimming in canyon creeks, canyon pools, or waterfalls is prohibited.

• Groups of 20 or more persons must have advance written (Activity Permit) permission from the Site Superintendent or Site Manage

• Metal detecting is not allowed.

• It is illegal to possess intoxicating substances within the park.

• It is illegal to go off trail or make new trails within the park.

• Click here for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Informational Page