Ferne Clyffe State Park

Ferne Clyffe is an excellent state park to visit after a heavy rainfall or during snow melt season. Or, as I am learning, after the three inches of ice melts from the last freezing rain apocalypse, which is apparently characteristic of a Southern Illinois winter.

I visited on a warm day, but not a warm enough day to melt the ice that was coating the entire trail. Basically, it was a free-for-all ice skating extravaganza for 0.75 miles (the length of the Big Rocky Hollow Trail). According to the official Illinois Department of Natural Resources website, the waterfall at the end of the trail is 100 feet tall! I think that is a typo, as the waterfall, to me at least, only appeared about 30 feet high. Regardless, it was a stunning sight. I came on the right day, because I got five waterfalls for the price of one! There were several other waterfalls streaming down the sides of the cliff, meaning I was surrounded by falling water and very securely in my happy place.

It was very foggy that day, as you can see in the pictures, turning the forest into a Lord of the Rings-style fantasy land.

I started venturing off trail and climbing up the rocks and cliffs to get closer to the waterfalls. Soon I was followed by several curious young children, who were followed by their perhaps less-than-thrilled parents.
When I arrived back at my car, I met an older couple who told me to go on the Hawk’s Cave trail, and so I did. I was pleased to be greeted by two more waterfalls, plus a large cave. There are many other trails in the park that I have yet to try, so I will most definitely be back!