A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Moss-Covered Cliffs Hiding In Illinois
By Linze Rice|Published May 02, 2023
×
Linze Rice
Author
Ope! From the rural cornfields of DeKalb County, Linze is an Illinois native and true Midwestern gal who can make a mean bonfire and whip up a perfect marshmallow salad. Since 2014, her bylines and photography have appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and Block Club Chicago/DNAinfo Chicago, Only in Your State, and more. She has interviewed Dolly Parton, written about beloved diners along historic Route 66, visited the last Rainforest Cafe in the Illinois, and reviewed luxurious English manor-inspired hotels. Whether it's writing about a local gem or world-renowned establishment, Linze brings a heartwarming and historical perspective to each story, using facts, wit, and personal experience to impress upon readers the importance of culture, food, travel, and all things local. Her favorite destinations in Illinois include Starved Rock State Park, Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, the charming small town of Sycamore, and historic Rosehill Cemetery. When she's not writing or photographing, Linze enjoys gardening, spending time with her husband and pets, cooking, baking, and grilling, and relaxing with trashy TV.
Though nature has existed long before humans, it continues to surprise. Trails we’ve walked a hundred times or parks we’ve been to over and over can still reveal new wonders each time we visit — giving us even more reason to emerge ourselves in the outdoors. For those who love the thrill of learning something new, this unexpected natural wonder in Mt. Morris, IL just may be motivation for your next outdoor adventure.
White Pines Forest State Park, located on W. Pines Road in Ogle County, is a 385-acre park of dense forestry with tree-covered hiking trails and ideal spots for fishing, picnicking, and camping.
The park offers a number of hiking and walking trails that vary from easy to medium to difficult. Many of the trails meander along Spring Creek and Pine Creek, offering incredible views of an unexpected natural wonder: moss-covered cliffs and fairytale-like trailing vines.
A trek around the 2.3-mile Sunset Trail and Sleepy Hollow Trail loop offers the best views of the stunning phenomenon. Streams of bright and deep greens cascade from the layered rocks down to the water below.
Heads up — this is a moderate-to-difficult trail loop, so beginners may want to gain some more experience before trying it out! But heavy-duty hikers will enjoy the challenge and the payoff in gorgeous views.
The hike through this modern-day enchanted forest takes about an hour, but don't be surprised if you find yourself stopping to take in the peaceful scene.
Pro tip: Bring your camera to get some incredible shots of nature, or stage a mini-photoshoot with the perfect natural background. Just be careful not to disturb the environment!
Want to spend more time exploring the park? Rent one of the park's 16 cabins! While most cabins contain one room, one cabin offers two rooms, and two cabins offer four rooms.
Grab a bite to eat, attend an event, or spend an evening at the dinner theater in the park's main lodge.
Would you go visit this unexpected natural wonder in Mt. Morris, IL? Have you ever been to White Pines Forest State Park? What’s your favorite thing to do there? Tell us in the comments! Start planning your trip now by checking out the White Pines Forest State Park website. Want to visit even more natural wonders in Illinois? Check out these suggestions for the most awe-inspiring Illinois natural wonders.
In the meantime, watch the video below to get a preview of White Pines Forest State Park!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.