The Double Descent of Burden Creek Falls

Burden Creek Falls flows 20 feet over a sandstone ledge and then descends another 80 feet in a series of cascades making it the highest free-falling waterfall in Illinois.

Closeup of the first waterfall near the parking lot at Burden Creek Falls

Located in Southern Illinois in Pope County, Burden Falls Wilderness incorporates 3,687 acres and is known best for its seasonal, scenic waterfalls.

Our Time Here

A small parking lot can be found right before the low water crossing if you are coming there from the west or after the crossing from the east. It was almost a full lot when we visited since it was the weekend.

First waterfall

Around the Small Falls

My son and I checked out the first 20 feet waterfall near the parking area.

We headed up and around these falls for a short walk that ended at the cliffside view of the small falls.

Seeing the falls from above along the trail.

Heading to the Main Falls

Next, we headed to the left of the small falls along the one-mile main trail. As you come around a bend you hear water cascading cliff side and then you see the main falls.

Starting out high above the creek below.

Out Along the Trail at Burden Creek Falls

I wanted to go to the bottom of the falls so we followed the trail high above the creek. Since it had recently rained, the trail was muddy in places. It was also slippery here on the rocky terrain. Watch your footing.

Going Down

We headed down into a valley in front of the waterfall. The creek still splashes along rocks. I think you could go down along the creek further away from the falls but I wanted to go closer to the foot of the falls.

My son below the boulders below the falls. — My son among the boulders below Burden Creek Falls.

By the Bottom

The falls were amazing from down below. Large boulders filled the view and sheer cliffs were on all sides above you.

I didn’t see a way to the left or right of the falls that would be easy to go up so we headed back the way we came after scrambling around the rocks for a bit and taking in the views.

Going Back

We took the same trail we came here with and it was well worth the walk. I kept a watchful eye on my son as we walked this area since there are cliffs and muddy and wet rocky surfaces.

Burden Falls

Final Thoughts

It is not the easiest drive to get there, but when the water is flowing, like it was today, it was one of the best falls to see by St. Louis.

More Information

Spring is the best time to visit here with rains growing the waterfalls. Fall colors surround the falls in autumn and if it is below freezing you can catch them frozen in winter.

Caution: The waterfalls are amazing, but be careful wandering around them since the rocks can be slippery when wet. You should also keep children away from the edges of cliffs.

DETAILS:

Drive:

East Route: Take Interstate 64 out of St. Louis and then turn south onto Interstate 57 in Mount Vernon. Then take Interstate 24 and look for Exit 7. Make a left onto Tunnel Hill Road, which becomes Gilead Church Road, and then make a left onto Highway 45.

From Rt. 45 in Ozark, take Ozark Road east. Follow signs to Burden Falls. This road turns into Forest Road 402. The parking lot is on the north side of the road before the water crossing.

Note: This road is gravel for two miles and there are potholes along this route.

West Route: If you want to go less on gravel then take this route. Take Interstate 64 out of St. Louis and then turn south onto Interstate 57 in Mount Vernon. Then take the exit for Highway 13 in Marion and go towards Harrisburg and then make a right onto Highway 45 and then make a left on Highway 145.

Next, turn left on Burden Falls Road/ Forest Service Road 402 and look for parking for the falls on the right near the low water crossing for the falls.

Note: There is no parking near the falls on this side of the low water crossing if it is flooded.