Starved Rock Country in LaSalle County, IL is renowned for breathtaking natural landscapes, scenic trails, and charming small towns. Autumn is the perfect time to visit and enjoy great temperatures while viewing gorgeous fall foliage. From scenic drives under colorful tree canopies to picturesque guided hikes, there are plenty of exciting sightseeing opportunities awaiting you on your next fall road trip.

Start your adventure with a drive through Starved Rock State Park. This popular park sports one of Illinois’ top ranked scenic drives for experiencing the fall colors. Cruise a wonderfully winding road that takes you down a serene riverfront lane before snaking over several canyons and past towering trees. The most popular state park in Illinois boasts 18 beautiful canyons, 13 miles of trails catering to all levels of experience, and panoramic views of the Illinois River.

Starved Rock Lodge offers a variety of guided hikes led by experienced naturalists throughout the year. Departing from the lodge lobby, these one-hour group tours include a sack lunch and some of the best fall color photo-ops throughout the park. Trolley tours are another of the lodge’s signature activities, and one of the best ways to experience the diversity and beauty of the park’s fall colors. These special seasonal tours include lunch at the lodge restaurant and a short guided hike to Council Overhang and Ottawa Canyon. If a leisurely lunch and river cruise are more your style, hop aboard the Eagle I cruise boat for a narrated sightseeing tour. You’ll be treated to local legends, history and botanical facts as you take a relaxing ride up the Illinois River.  

Just to the southwest of Starved Rock, you’ll find hidden gem Matthiessen State Park. This picturesque park takes you from wild flower lined prairie trails to the depths of Ice Age era dells, complete with rushing waterfalls and mossy canyon walls. As the leaves begin to fall off the trees, rays of light illuminate the dells, offering a unique fall perspective.

Matthiessen’s otherworldly trails include options for both novice and experienced hikers, allowing all park patrons to enjoy views of the grand Cascade Falls and the jaw dropping Giants Bathtub. You’ll likely see more than just fellow hikers on these trails, as Matthiessen also features some of the best horseback riding paths in the Starved Rock area.

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Located on the north banks of the Illinois River, nearby Buffalo Rock State Park combines rustic prairie hiking with some of the best cliffside views in the region. This grants visitors some of the best observation points in LaSalle County for experiencing fall colors reflected on the Illinois River. 

Buffalo Rock features two trails that offer wildly different park experiences: The River Bluff Trail runs you along the Illinois River, while the Woodland Trail gives you an up-close look at fall foliage, wildlife and the Effigy Tumuli mounds that resemble enormous animals.

Located directly across from Buffalo Rock, the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is a popular biking and hiking trail. A flat, graded gravel path makes for an easy and accommodating sightseeing trip and one of the best bicycling destinations in Illinois. Best of all, you no longer need to bring your own bike to explore the trail, simply reserve an app-powered rental bike outside LaSalle’s Lock 16 Visitors Center and in Utica.

On an average year, LaSalle County experiences peak fall colors in mid-October. Be sure to consult EnjoyLaSalleCounty.com or follow Enjoy LaSalle County, IL on Facebook and Instagram. You’ll find fall colors reports throughout the season, giving you an idea of when to plan your picture perfect road trip.