Waterfall Hikes Near Chicago, IL

8,497,759 residents

Chicago Time Zone

2 Waterfalls

within 50 miles

Two waterfalls make it inside Chicago's 50 mile circle, and both belong to Canyon Creek. Each is a 2 mile out and back rated moderate. The cascade adds about 200 feet of climbing and allows dogs. In country this thoroughly flattened by glaciers, that counts as a find. Serious waterfall weekends from the city usually mean driving to Starved Rock or southern Wisconsin, both past the line this page draws, so take the Canyon Creek pair for what it is, a close and manageable afternoon.

Located at 41.8375°N, -87.6866°W

Map of Waterfalls Near Chicago

Pins are within 50 miles; hollow circles are day trips 50–100 miles out.

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

2 of 2 gauged

2 of 2 waterfalls near Chicago are flowing strongly today

Canyon Creek Cascade Roaring Canyon Creek Falls Roaring

Updated 34 minutes ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Saturday

Sunny · 64°F

Aft 63°F Sunny

Sat 64°F Sunny Best

Sun 70°F Sunny

Mon 61°F Sunny

Tue 64°F Sunny

Wed 70°F Mostly Sunny

Thu 71°F Mostly Sunny

Flowing best right now near Chicago

Updated about 3 hours ago

Ranked by live stream-gauge flow versus each waterfall's seasonal normal.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Chicago hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Find waterfalls to hike near Chicago

See All Illinois Waterfall Hikes

Have your own travel site? Embed these waterfalls for free.

🐕 Dog-Friendly Waterfall Hikes Around Chicago (1 waterfall)

Bring your four-legged friend along! These waterfalls welcome dogs on their trails.

Canyon Creek Cascade

20.5 miles away

Illinois

Moderate

2.0 miles 200 ft

All 2 Waterfalls Near Chicago

Canyon Creek Cascade

20.5 miles away

Illinois

Moderate

2.0 miles 200 ft

Canyon Creek Falls

20.6 miles away

Illinois

Moderate

2.0 miles Unknown

🧭 Day Trips From Chicago (1 waterfall, 50–100 miles away)

Everything listed above is within 50 miles of Chicago. Make a day of it and 1 more is within 100 miles. The closest is Great Falls of the Illinois River, about 69 miles away.

Distances are approximate, measured from the center of Chicago; the drive is usually longer.

Great Falls of the Illinois River

68.8 miles away

Illinois

Unknown

Unknown Unknown

Frequently Asked Questions About Waterfalls Near Chicago

Are there free waterfalls near Chicago?

There is 1 free waterfall near Chicago, including Canyon Creek Cascade.

Are there dog friendly waterfalls in Chicago?

There is 1 dog-friendly waterfall near Chicago, including Canyon Creek Cascade.

Are there kid-friendly waterfalls near Chicago?

There is 1 kid-friendly waterfall near Chicago, including Canyon Creek Cascade.

What is the shortest waterfall hike near Chicago?

The shortest waterfall hike near Chicago is Canyon Creek Cascade at 2.0 miles round trip.

What is the closest waterfall to Chicago?

The closest waterfall to Chicago is Canyon Creek Cascade, approximately 20.5 miles away.

What waterfalls are within a day trip of Chicago?

Beyond the 2 waterfalls within 50 miles, 1 more is between 50 and 100 miles from Chicago. The closest of those is Great Falls of the Illinois River, approximately 68.8 miles away.