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Walk the French Canyon route past Lover's Leap in Utica., Illinois

Walk the French Canyon route past Lover's Leap in Utica.

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Suitable forWalkingRunningCycling
Riverside3 places along the way

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This loop links French Canyon, Lover's Leap, and Wildcat Canyon in Starved Rock State Park. French Canyon is the shortest and suits families, though it involves many stairs. Lover's Leap offers views of the Illinois River, and Wildcat Canyon has the park's tallest waterfall and is the only place in the park where ice climbing is allowed in winter. Take the steep staircase downhill if you can, since climbing it is harder.

Along the way

1
Starved Rock State ParkThe loop links sandstone canyons and overlooks within the park, with a steep staircase on the route.
2
Lover's Leap OverlookOffers views of the Illinois River and the legend of two lovers from different tribes who jumped together.
3
Wildcat CanyonHolds the park's tallest waterfall at 70 feet and is the only spot where ice climbing is allowed in winter.

The route

Distance4.9 km
Walking≈ 1 h 19
Running≈ 36 min
Climb↑ 135 m
RouteCircular

A 4.9 km circular route from Utica to walk, run or cycle, with 135 m of climbing.

Elevation↑ 135 m in total

Before you go

StartAurora Canyon Trail, Utica, Illinois, 61373Open the start in Maps →
FinishBack where you started
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