Illinois · Hiking

Waterfall

6.1 mi
round trip
1,030 ft
climb
720 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Waterfall open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Waterfall, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

The Waterfall hike is a 6.1-mile out-and-back trail in Shawnee National Forest's Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The route starts at about 508 feet and climbs to a high point of 720 feet before descending back, with a total gain and loss of about 1,030 feet each way. The trail is rated hard, and the steepest stretch comes at about 2.3 miles in, with a 12% grade. The trail is on natural surface and allows horses, but bikes are not permitted. For comfortable weather, aim for spring or fall. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Carbondale run to highs around 77°F in May and 70°F in October, with summer highs climbing into the upper 80s. Several other outings sit within a few miles. Johnson Creek - Primitive campground is about 1.3 miles away, and the Rend Lake and Kinkaid Lake North Spur hikes are both about 1.4 miles off. The 45 Degree Wall climbing area is about 2.5 miles away.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Waterfall

    Best months: March–April and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      42° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 28°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      57° / 36°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 45°

      12 wet

    5. May

      77° / 55°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 64°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 67°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      81° / 56°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 45°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 35°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 28°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Carbondale Southern Il Ap, IL, 13.9 mi away at 406 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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