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

Today's Conditions

Live data from USGS gauges & National Weather Service

Water Flow

2 of 2 gauged

2 waterfalls near Chicago have live flow data today

Updated about 1 hour ago via USGS

Best Day to Hike

Labor Day

Mostly Sunny · 79°F

Aft 91°F Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Sat 82°F Patchy Fog then Partly Sunny
Sun 78°F Sunny
Lab 79°F Mostly Sunny Best
Tue 88°F Mostly Sunny
Wed 91°F Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Thu 80°F Chance Showers And Thunderstorms then 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.

  1. 1 Canyon Creek Cascade Barely Flowing · 559 cfs 0th percentile
  2. 2 Canyon Creek Falls Barely Flowing · 559 cfs 0th percentile

Know when to go.

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Find waterfalls to hike near Chicago

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

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

9.7 miles away
Illinois
Moderate
2.0 miles 200 ft

All 2 Waterfalls Near Chicago

9.7 miles away
Illinois
Moderate
2.0 miles 200 ft
9.6 miles away
Illinois
Moderate
2.4 miles 350 ft

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.

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