Waterfalls and Caves at Ferne Clyffe State Park

Walking along a clear stream to waterfalls and going up into the cliffs to see a cave are some of the natural treasures at Ferne Clyffe State Park. The park has a large number of trails to explore.

NOTE: At the start of the trail, the sign notes that there are dangerous areas within the park and people should approach them with caution. This would include going up along the falls where the rocky terrain can be slippery.

Big Rocky Hollow Trail

This is a .75-mile natural surface trail that is mostly flat. Although, be prepared for some small brook crossings along the way.

The trail leads to a 100-foot tail intermittent waterfall.

My son Andrew with our dog Chewie by a fern filled boulder. — My son Andrew with our dog Chewie by a fern-filled boulder.

Heading Out on the Trail

After walking short ways we noticed a side trail that went into the cliffs. Here we checked out the crevices, high cliff walls, and boulders scattered about. Then we made our way back to the trail.

Next, we went down a campground trail but only up into the cliffs before going back to the main trail.

First Small Waterfall

A small path led to an area of drip falls after you cross a small brook. My son Andrew played around in the water for a bit and put his hand out to touch the water dripping down.

My son posing on a rock by the waterfall.

At the Main Waterfall

This waterfall is intermittent, although I haven’t been here yet there was not some water flowing. Recent rains caused good-sized falls creating a pond at the bottom.

My son Andrew enjoyed going up along the waterfall and between boulders by it. I kept a close eye on him since the rocks here can be slippery.

Going Back

The walk back goes pretty fast since we didn’t stop anywhere and only took the main trail back.

Final Thoughts

This is one of my favorite Illinois state parks since you take a short hike and see waterfalls and cave-like areas. It is also easily accessed off the interstates. Nearby the parking lot the picnic areas border cliffs or the small creek that flows through the area.

Hawk’s Cave Trail

A mile round trip trail leading to one of the largest shelter bluffs in Illinois.

Heading Up

First, you cross a clear stream using cement stepping stones. My son loves to jump back and forth between them.

Next, we headed to the left, which goes into the cliff sides, which is a workout going up into this area.

Shelter Bluffs

There are two areas of shelter bluffs here and we checked both of them out.

The main rock shelter here has large boulders to walk around and wander between.

Andrew and Chewie under the rock shelf. — Andrew and Chewie wandering under the rock shelf.

We spent some time here before we headed back down the trail.

Going Back

In finishing the loop you have to go down below the cliff. We bushwacked some to get to the trail. Once at the bottom, we went up the hill then back to the start of the trail.

Rock sculpted by the water here. — A rock sculpted by the water here.

Final Thoughts

The Hawk’s Cave Trail was a worthy stop here and Andrew enjoyed exploring this area.

Ferne Clyffe Site Map from Illinois State Parks Website

Other Hikes

Redman Trail

A .25 mile hike. This trail provides access to a designated climbing and rappelling area.

Goreville Boy Scout Trail

A .5 mile steep trail that connects the park to the nearby town of Goreville.

Big Rocky Hollow Trail

An easy hike with a round trip distance of .75 mile and leads to a 100-foot tall intermittent waterfall.

Blackjack Oak Trail

It is a moderately difficult 1-mile trail that offers impressive vistas. It leads hikers up two steep climbs from the lake to the Hillside picnic area.

Ferne Clyffe Lake Trail

This is an easy 1-mile hike that provides anglers with an opportunity to get close to the banks of the lake.

Round Bluff Nature Preserve Trail

It is also a moderately difficult trail that leads hikers past rare plants and impressive rock formations.

Happy Hollow Trail

This is a difficult 5-mile trail that winds through woods and old fields and includes several steep climbs.

Happy Hollow Horse Trail

It is an 8-mile equestrian route from the horseback campground.

Rocky Branch Trail

This .25-mile trail forms a linkage between a portion of the Happy Hollow Trail on top of the bluff with the portion of the Happy Hollow Trail near the creek.

River to River Trail

This trail passes through Ferne Clyffe State Park on its way from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River. Eight miles of the trail goes through the park.

Cedar Bluff Trail

Cedar Bluff Trail is a 2-mile hiking trail. It leads to a scenic visa on Cedar Bluff and from there descends the bluff and intersects with the Bobcat Loop Trail.

Cedar Bluff Climber’s Access Trail

This trail is an easy .5 mile hike that provides foot access to various climbs at a designated climbing/rappelling area, located at the southwest end of Cedar Bluff.

Big Buck Creek Trail

It is a scenic and wooded 2-mile trail that generally follows along Big Buck Creek.

Bobcat Loop Trail

This is a secluded 1-mile loop in the heart of the Cedar Bluff area. The trail links with the Cedar Bluff Trail and the Big Buck Creek Trail.

High Ridge Trail

High Ridge Trail is a 1.5-mile trail. This trail splits off of the Big Buck Creek Trail and travels high along a ridge through the woods

Buck’s Waterfall Trail

It is a .5 mile long trail that provides access to the base of the waterfall. This is an easy hike.

Go to Ferne Clyffe State Park for information

Small stream flowing through the area. — A small stream flowing through the area.

History

George Rogers Clark and his contingent passed near Ferne Clyffe on their trip to Fort Kaskaskia in 1778. One hundred years later the Cherokee used this area for hunting as they were marched during the Trail of Tears.

In 1899, Two Cairo brothers purchased a part of the park area. Using an Old English spelling, they called it Ferne Clyffe because of the abundance of ferns that grow here.

In 1949 with the support of political and conservation groups, the State of Illinois purchased the land.

Lunch Break

We stopped at a Bojangles in Marion, Il. and had bought a family pack of chicken along with mashed potatoes and fries along with tea. This was a treat since we don’t have one of these nearby.

Hours: Open 24 hours

Address: 1900 The Hill Ave, Marion, IL 62959

Standing by another large fern covered rock where water is dripping down from the top. — Standing by another large fern-covered rock where water is dripping down from the top.

Details

Drive: Take Interstate 64 from St. Louis and then south of Mount Vernon turn onto Interstate 57 South and then at exit 45 turn onto IL-148 and go south. It becomes Illinois 37. Look for the entrance to the park on the right south of Goreville, Ill.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 90 Goreville Rd, Goreville, IL 62939