Hike to a Stone Arch Bridge at Fall Creek Scenic Overlook

Discover a historic stone arch bridge, cascading waterfalls, and scenic views at Fall Creek Scenic Overlook Park.

*Look for this sign for the entrance to the park.*

It is located south of Quincy, Illinois, near the intersection of Illinois Highway 57 and Interstate 174.

Overview

The hike is 1.8 miles long with a 190-foot elevation gain. I found the trail difficult due to significant elevation changes, and it is poorly marked and overgrown in some areas.

Part of the trail is washed out near the lower falls, with steep drop-offs, so please exercise caution.

Note: If you drive further up the main road, it leads to the overlook, where you can take in the views of the Mississippi River valley which I talk about at the end.

*I had to park by the gate since it was winter.*

At the Trailhead

The waterfall is accessible from the first parking area on the left by the creek after entering the park. This parking lot is closed in winter, so you must park before the gate.

If you enter from the gate area, go left and walk through the field to the parking area where the main trail begins.

Near the parking lot are signs about the gorge.

Start of the Trail

The trail starts flat and paved, veering to the right of the lot.

After crossing the wooden bridge, the paved trail ends.

A narrow dirt path on the left leads down to the first falls, which flow through a rocky canyon.

At one time, there was an overlook here, but it was destroyed by past flooding, which is why part of the paved trail is missing.

Waterfall

A sign by the waterfall and gorge indicates this rare area, where water has carved through the limestone to create the cliffs.

I walked carefully by the rapids, taking care not to fall in. Then, I walked back to the paved trail.

A sign indicates a 1-mile nature trail leading up a hill toward a stone arch bridge.

It depicts a loop trail, but I only hiked to the stone arch bridge as an out-and-back trek. I could not find the section of the trail system that is away from the creek.

Heading to the Stone Arch Bridge

Next, I began my ascent up the steep hill to follow the natural surface trail.

Walking along the trail, I enjoyed views of the creek flowing through the canyon below.

*Pools form along the creek in the canyon*

Small pools of water gather along the creek.

I came across a red spray-painted tree helping to mark the trail.

Then I walked under a modern bridge.

On the other side, a stone arch bridge is built over a small waterfall.

Stone Arch Bridge

The bridge is 33 feet above Fall Creek Gorge and was constructed from natural stone over 100 years ago.

Walking across the bridge, I was surprised at how wide it was on top.

I took in different views from the bottom, which is easier to reach from the right side of the bridge on the trail.

By the creek I came across a small cave.

Next, I walked a short distance toward the upper falls past the bridge to find a foundation covered in graffiti.

As I walked back across the bridge, I reached a gravel road with a metal guardrail preventing access to the bridge.

Going Back

I walked across the stone arch bridge and onto the trail by the bridge sign.

This time, I noticed a heavily etched rock descending towards the creek.

Then a small rock garden along the walk.

Then I went back down the steep trail back to the paved section.

Final Thoughts

I recommend walking in the fall, early spring, or winter when the trail is less overgrown. Be cautious in the steep areas, as this path can be challenging. It is the most scenic spot I’ve discovered between Hannibal and Quincy, Illinois, along Interstate 72.

Snowy Day Visit

I came back with David and my son in winter. We parked by the gate since the lot was closed.

We first walked along the field near the creek. Then, we came to the parking lot and headed down the paved trail. We had to be careful since it was icy.

After a short walk, we came to the bridge that crossed the brook.

Then, I almost stepped on a dead coyote. It was surprising to see it, and I wondered what had happened. It was not smelly, just frozen.

I took a moment to take some pictures of the lower falls. We didn’t go further since it was icy going up the hill and around.

This was a beautiful place with a frozen falls and the creek flowing under the ice in places.

*A sign by the Stone Arch Bridge shares the history of the bridge*

More History of the Stone Arch Bridge

The stone arch bridge in the park was built in the early 18th century. However, the record of its construction date was lost in a fire in the 1880s.

It was constructed to help move goods across Fall Creek to the cities of Quincy and Hannibal.

Stone mason Joseph Elliot led the construction of the limestone bridge for a total cost of $1032.

The bridge was used for automobile traffic up to 1949.

Overlook

I visited the overlook during an earlier stop here in summer. From that vantage point, we could see Interstate 172 below, as well as the farms in the valley and, in the distance, Hannibal, MO, along with the Mississippi River.

It was a short-paved walk to the stone border overlook.

The overlook was built in 1982 to commemorate the completion of Highway 336, now Interstate 172, to Quincy. A small plaque memorializes its construction.

Details

Drive from St. Louis: Take Interstate 64 west out of St. Louis, then head north as it transitions into Highway 61. Exit onto Interstate 72 in Hannibal, Missouri. Next, take Exit 4 onto Interstate 172 and continue north until Exit 2. Make a right onto Illinois 57/E1083rd Lane, then take a quick left onto Payson Road. Look for the entrance road to Fall Creek Scenic Overlook Park shortly afterward.

It is a little over two hours away from St. Louis, but a scenic stop if you are in the Quincy or Hannibal area.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 1130 N 223rd Ln, Payson, IL 62360