Rocky Bluff Trail In Carbondale Illinois Has A Short Waterfall Hike

Take your little ones out on an adventure that will make them fall in love with nature on this short waterfall hike. Not far from Carbondale, Illinois, this beautiful path is the perfect little excursion for any age. Check it out:

Rocky Bluff Trail in southern Illinois is part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Carbondale. It is a 1.7-mile loop path that is easy enough for ages 4 to 94.

Google/Annie Copeland

While this trail is kid-friendly, it is not stroller-friendly. Hikers will need to go by foot (or front pack) to make it to the falls.

Google/Tharran Hobson Alexis Briggs

Along the way, you will enjoy lovely views of wildflowers, tall trees, shrubbery, wildlife, and much more. Even if you do not want to complete the entire 1.7-mile trek, you can make a shorter and sweeter walk out of this nature trail.

Google/Annie Copeland

While most of the trail is forested, it won’t be long before you reach the bluffs and find out what this short waterfall hike is all about. You’ll likely hear the water rushing before you see it.

Google/Chris Penley

It is best to visit just after it rains to see the waterfall in full force. This means the trail will likely be muddy, so be sure to wear good shoes or boots.

Google/Leon Stucker

A permit is required to do this amazing yet short waterfall hike. Permits can be attained at the Crab Orchard Visitor’s Center, which is about 10 miles from the trail.

Alltrails/Tori Bond Address: 8588 IL-148, Marion, IL, 62959

You’ll be transported to a whole other world once you find the bluffs hidden along this loop trail. Whether or not you bring your kids, be sure to bring your camera.

Google/Ryan R

Address: Tacoma Lake Road, Makanda, IL, 62958

Google/Annie Copeland

Google/Tharran Hobson Alexis Briggs

Google/Chris Penley

Google/Leon Stucker

Alltrails/Tori Bond

Address: 8588 IL-148, Marion, IL, 62959

Google/Ryan R

For more like this, check out seven more waterfall trails in Illinois that belong on every nature lovers bucket list.

If you have photos of waterfalls in the state, we’d love to see them. Join our Illinois Nature Lover’s Group on Facebook here.

Have you taken this short waterfall hike? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.