Fall Colors Weekend 2013

Saturday October 19th, 2013

Guided hikes to view the spectacular colors of fall. Meet at the Visitor’s Center at 9:00 am & 1:00 pm both days. These hikes are led by members of the Starved Rock Foundation and offered to the public at no charge. Starved Rock Lodge offers

Take a Hike—and a Lunch on both Saturday & Sunday from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm ($17 per person)

Join us for a guided hike from the Lodge to LaSalle and Tonti Canyons.  Participants meet in the Hotel Lobby to pick up a lunch and a “Starved Rock” souvenir backpack.  Hikers will stop for lunch once they reach LaSalle Canyon.  After lunch, the hike continues to Eagle Cliff and Lover’s Leap.  The tour concludes at the Lodge about 2:00 pm.  This hike is classified as strenuous.  Please dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.  Hike will be approximately 4 ½ miles round trip.  Lunch includes your choice of turkey, ham or peanut butter and jelly; bag of chips; freshly-baked cookie; piece of fruit; and a bottle of water.  Advanced reservations are required.  Space is limited.  $17 per person.  For more information or to book call (815) 220-7386.

Tips for Fall Colors weekend: (hike only on marked trails and review all park rules before hiking)

Best Illinois River Valley View: from the top of Starved Rock, from Lover’s Leap and Eagle Cliff.
Best canyon and cave combo: Ottawa Canyon and Council Overhang
Best photo of a canyon entrance: French Canyon
Best sand, boulders, cave walls: St. Louis Canyon

Starved Rock Trailmaps are available at the Visitor Center (black-and-white at no charge). Full color maps are $1 and available at Trailheads Concessions (Visitor Center), the Lodge Gift Shop & the Hotel Front Desk. The GPS address of Starved Rock Lodge is: 2668 East 873rd Road; Oglesby, IL 61348.