Surround Yourself In Calming, Bright Green Forest Views At Illinois' Tallest Waterfall

As a tourist destination, Illinois focuses its reputation largely around the city of Chicago. This isn't too surprising. After all, Chicago is America's third-largest city and has many of the top tourist destinations in the entire Midwest. With Chicago's numerous free attractions for your travel bucket list, the Windy City is obviously going to define the entire state of Illinois for any visitor. 

But outside its largest city, Illinois actually has an underappreciated collection of some of the Midwest's best outdoor destinations. Many of the state's parks and national forest sites preserve some truly amazing hikes, scenic woodlands, and enchanting natural wonders that can make you forget all about the towering skyscrapers of Chicago. A terrific example of this is the low-key grandeur of Burden Falls. 

Though not many people would associate a Midwestern state like Illinois with a towering waterfall, Burden Falls actually reaches a height of about 100 feet, making it one of the Midwest's best-hidden gems for hikers and nature lovers alike. Located in the equally underrated Shawnee National Forest across the beautiful landscape of southern Illinois, Burden Falls provides stunning views, immersive hikes, and peaceful tranquility for all kinds of travelers. 

Illinois' impressive array of outdoor attractions includes such gems as one of America's (allegedly) most haunted hiking trails and an ancient Native American city at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. However, even with such lofty company, Burden Falls still stands out for its sheer spectacle. It is actually taller than even better-known waterfalls in more mountainous eastern states like North Carolina. 

Burden Falls consists of several upper and lower falls flowing down an epic rocky chasm. The waterfall's first segment forms at a spot where the main creek drops 20 feet down a sandstone ledge. After that, the creek descends another 80 feet down a series of additional drops as it flows into a beautiful forest gorge. The resulting total height of around 100 feet makes Burden Falls the highest free-falling waterfall in Illinois and one of the most impressive waterfalls across the Midwest. 

The one catch to visiting Burden Falls is that its breathtaking power is not at full force year-round. Unfortunately, the creek's water levels vary significantly depending on the season and the weather. Hikers will find the cascades at their peak magnificence following heavy rainfall or around early spring and summer. During dry periods, the falls can diminish to little more than a trickle (if there's any water at all). Still, even if your visit doesn't coincide with an epic, powerful cascade, the gorge and the nearly 4,000 acres of wilderness surrounding it are worth a day of hiking and exploration.  

Burden Falls and its multiple segments offer visitors more than merely a pretty view. They're also the epicenter of one of Illinois' best networks of hiking trails. The main Burden Falls Trail offers a moderately challenging 1.2-mile hike from a convenient parking area to a creek and through the main falls area. Do note that, while this trail is generally manageable for the average hiker, some sections can be slippery, especially closer to the falls. 

Burden Falls and its designated wilderness area are part of the larger Shawnee National Forest, a fantastic wonderland of some of the state's best natural scenery and a testament to a region that is often overshadowed by the prestige of Chicago and other urban areas. Even without the breathtaking views of Burden Falls, Shawnee National Forest is a top outdoor destination and one to add to the hidden gem natural wonders in this Midwest state. 

Once you've enjoyed the majesty of Burden Falls, you can head over to Shawnee National Forest's equally stunning Garden of the Gods Recreation Area to see unique rock formations and spectacular views that don't look quite like anything else in the Midwest. No matter your preference, Burden Falls and its surrounding national forest are proof that Illinois offers much more than Chicago when it comes to amazing sights and experiences.