Canyon Creek Falls
Illinois • 8 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Canyon Creek Falls
Canyon Creek Falls is a natural waterfall about 8 feet high in Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve near Darien and Lemont, run by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Described as the only naturally formed waterfall in DuPage County, it had no official name until the U.S. Board on Geographic Names approved Canyon Creek Falls in 2014. It lies southwest of Argonne National Laboratory, off the main trails along a muddy path, and flows best after rain. The better-known tiered falls at Rocky Glen in the same preserve were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
The Setting
Canyon Creek Falls sits at 699 feet within Waterfall Glen, in the foothills of Illinois. The falls drop 8 feet.
Height: 8 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Canyon Creek Cascade (3 ft) lies 0.0 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Waterfall Glen has almost 11 miles of mapped limestone and turf trails. The falls are not on a signed trail, and the district does not publish their exact location, so expect muddy, unmarked footing near the creek. There is no reliable distance or elevation figure for reaching them.
What to Expect
The falls drop a gentle 8 feet.
Accessibility
The trail to Canyon Creek Falls may not be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges due to uneven terrain and potential elevation changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Canyon Creek Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Canyon Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is likely to have the strongest flow during these seasons.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should exercise caution on the trail, especially after rain, as the path may become slippery. Stay on marked trails to avoid getting lost and be aware of potential wildlife encounters.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Des Plaines River, 1.8 miles away, not on Canyon Creek Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
814 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
6.70 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge DES PLAINES RIVER NEAR LEMONT, IL (3 km away).
Today
Moderate
879 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Moderate
960 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
694 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
864 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
1189 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
864 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
899 cfs
9/10Best window: Tomorrow — moderate flow, patchy frost then sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to late April, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Lemont hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 78 feet through Canyon Creek Falls over a long run of ledges. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 8 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 629 feet.
The ground changes about 43 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 10 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 629 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 78 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve surrounds Argonne National Laboratory near Darien. The main entrance is on the north side of Northgate Road, 0.25 mile west of Cass Avenue. The falls are in the southwest part of the preserve.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The preserve has three lots: the main entrance on Northgate Road west of Cass Avenue, the Waterfall lot on the south side of Bluff Road 0.3 mile east of Cass Avenue, and a lot on the east side of Lemont Road at 101st Street.
Elevation
699 feet above sea level
Coordinates
41.690000° N, -88.002300° W
Land Management
Managed by REG
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail may be uneven or muddy in sections. Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Check weather conditions before visiting, as heavy rain can make the trail slippery.
Where to Stay
Home2 Suites By Hilton Bolingbrook Chicago
Extended Stay America Select Suites - Chicago - Darien
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bolingbrook-Romeoville, I-55
Aloft Bolingbrook
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions may include other hiking trails, forest preserves, or small towns with local amenities.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and avoid disturbing the natural habitat.
Cities near Canyon Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Canyon Creek Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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