The Lake Falls bridge and trail at the upper end of the Dells are closed to all hiking traffic until further notice. A detour is posted; the rest of the Dells canyon loop is open.
Expected reopening: Not announced — closed until further notice
Confirm current status with Illinois DNR (Matthiessen State Park) before visiting.
Open alternatives: Saint Louis Canyon Trail · Starved Rock Wildcat Canyon Loop
Illinois DNR Matthiessen State Park alerts and current-closures list, updated August 2026.
Matthiessen Dells Canyon Trail Hiking Guide
Matthiessen State Park sits a few miles south of Starved Rock and gets a fraction of its crowds, which is a shame for the crowds. Its Dells canyon is narrower, deeper and more intimate than anything at its famous neighbour: a slot of sandstone with Cascade Falls tumbling in, a pothole called the Giant's Bathtub, and stairs connecting rim to floor. The Dells Canyon and Bluff loop is about two miles and packs a lot in.
The Loop
Mapping apps list the Dells Canyon and Bluff loop at about 2.2 miles with roughly 230 feet of gain. It combines the bluff trail along the canyon rim with the canyon floor, linked by stairs. The lower Dells section alone is under a mile. The canyon floor involves stream crossings on stepping stones, which are wet and wobbly in spring and after rain; trekking poles help.
Lake Falls Closure
As of the Illinois DNR's August 2026 alerts, the Lake Falls bridge and trail were closed to all hiking traffic until further notice, with a detour posted. Lake Falls sits at the upper end of the Dells, so expect to follow the detour and possibly miss that section of the loop. The restroom at the Dells lot was also closed, with portable toilets provided.
Crowds and Parking
Matthiessen is quieter than Starved Rock, but not empty. On weekends from May through October the Dells and Vermillion River areas typically close to new arrivals around 11 a.m. when the lots fill, reopening at about 3 p.m. Arriving early solves most problems. Weekdays in spring, when the falls are strongest, are the ideal time.
Rules
Swimming, climbing, rappelling, drones and off-trail travel are all prohibited, and bikes are not allowed on the Dells trails. The canyon walls are soft sandstone that erodes easily and is dangerous to climb. Stay on the stairs and the marked route, and keep off the fragile moss and ferns on the canyon walls.
Practicalities
There is no entrance fee at Illinois state parks. The park is open 7 a.m. to sunset. Leashed dogs are allowed under general Illinois state park rules; the stairs and stream crossings can be tricky for some dogs. Wear waterproof shoes with grip, and expect mud and ice depending on the season. Matthiessen is roughly 90 minutes from Chicago.
Hiking tips for Matthiessen Dells Canyon Trail
- Follow the posted detour around the Lake Falls bridge, closed until further notice.
- Arrive before 11 a.m. on May–October weekends, when the Dells lot fills and closes.
- Bring trekking poles for the stepping-stone creek crossings in spring.
- Stay off the soft sandstone walls — climbing and off-trail travel are prohibited.
- Wear waterproof shoes; the canyon floor is wet and muddy most of the year.
Nearby trails to explore
- Saint Louis Canyon Trail
- Starved Rock Wildcat Canyon Loop
- Waterfall Glen Trail
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Matthiessen is the quieter canyon next to Starved Rock, and a perfect add-on to a canyon day. Use TrailMates to find Chicago hikers for the drive. Download the TrailMates app to connect.