Illinois isn't just known for its flatlands and cornfields. Believe it or not, the Land of Lincoln is home to some seriously stunning waterfalls that'll make you double-take.

As the weather starts warming up and you're itching to get out and explore, I have just the thing for you. Only in Your State has put together an epic list of hidden waterfalls in Illinois that are begging to be discovered.

From easy strolls to more adventurous hikes, these trails will take you through some of Illinois' most breathtaking landscapes. And let me tell you, some of these falls are just a stone's throw away, while others might require a bit of a road trip. But hey, if you need a weekend getaway, why not add a few of these trails to your bucket list?

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So grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and get ready to chase some waterfalls – Illinois style. Trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Jackson Falls- Simpson
Burden Falls - Shawnee National Forest
Matthiessen State Park - Oglesby (Largest State Park in Illinois)

Shawnee National Forest seems to be the place to go for long hikes, hidden waterfalls, and long trails in Illinois. That national park comes up on many lists for nature trails and might be worth a few days just exploring all the park has to offer.

LOOK: Must-do activities at every national park

Stacker lists the must-do activities at every national park ranked by the annual number of visitors. 

Gallery Credit: Angela Underwood

RANKED: Here are the most popular national parks

To determine the most popular national parks in the United States, Stacker compiled data from the National Park Service on the number of recreational visits each site had in 2020. Keep reading to discover the 50 most popular national parks in the United States, in reverse order from #50 to #1. And be sure to check with individuals parks before you visit to find out about ongoing, pandemic-related safety precautions at www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

Gallery Credit: Hannah Lang

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