Dwarfed by the Frozen Canyon

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Dwarfed in the frozen canyon
Looking up from the Lower Dells

The 35 to 45 foot tall sandstone canyon walls line the lower dells portion of Matthiessen State Park near Utica Illinois. A beautiful place to visit and explore in any season, numerous waterfalls dot the canyons including the 45 foot tall Deer Park Lake Falls and 35 foot tall Cascade falls. Most falls are a few feet or less, and meander through the mile long canyon.

At the bottom of the canyon is a stream that leads to the Vermilion River so right now it's frozen and we're able to walk on it. In other seasons depending upon the amount of rain, it is difficult to walk in the canyon.

It's a bit slippery in winter and muddy when it's warm, but well worth the bumps and bruises!

2 comments:

Brokecompsoul said...

I have visited this state park once, about 6-7 years ago. From what I remeber I liked Starved Rock best, though I could be bias I've been to Starved Rock 8 or 9 times.

How would you compare the two?

Tom Gill said...

I've been to Starved Rock a few times, but never to the canyons- only to Starved Rock and the Lover's Leap buttes. I hear the canyons are nice too, so I'll have to go soon to explore them.

Perhaps because of this, I like Matthiessen State Park better. That may change once I explore the canyons at Starved Rock.