Horseback Riding
Waterfalls or family. You’ll likely see more than just fellow hikers on these trails. Matthiessen also features some of the best horseback riding paths in the Starved Rock area. While the two trails that snake through the dells are a bit of a challenge, they also afford adventurous hikers an unmatched view of some geological marvels. Home to no less than seven falls, including a large 45-foot drop that separates the upper and lower dells, Matthiessen’s water features are active, dependent on how much rain the area has seen. This
makes spring an ideal time to explore the park! Beyond a few sets of stairs to enter the dells and a handful of trails surrounding the brim of the canyon, much of your park exploring will be done by hopping across stepping stones, splashing through shallow creeks, and shuffling along narrow sandstone-lined pathways. With its narrow sandstone canyons and dense tree canopy, Matthiessen feels in many ways like the perfect counterpoint to Starved Rock’s winding trails and steep bluff vistas.
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