TLC advised us all against chasing waterfalls, but in a state like Illinois where we are lucky enough to have them all around, I find myself ignoring this advice more often than not. To enjoy some of the state's best waterfalls, there is a trail in Matthiessen State Park along the Vermilion River that is worth visiting. The park has a series of hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing paths that navigate past cliff faces and green woods. The Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail is one of the best in the state not only for the sheer number of waterfalls along it, but also for the proximity you will have to them along the way.

Matthiessen State Park a 1,938-acre nature area and wildlife sanctuary.

In addition to supporting living creatures of all varieties, the park also protects the natural landscapes running through the area.

The Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail takes visitors past three waterfalls: Lake Falls, Cascade Falls and Giant's Bathtub.

The trail gets its names for the Dells, the label the Matthiessen family gave to the craggy, sandstone canyon that cut through their property.

The best way to experience the majesty of Matthiessen's waterfalls is from the top down.

The bridge will give you a great view of Lake Falls from above. Once you make your way across the bridge, head down into the Dell to get the full view of Lake Waterfall.

While it could be tempting to rush through in your hunt for the next waterfall, take your time to explore.

There are caves and unique rock formations all over that tell a history of a land millions of years older than us. Some graffiti and vandalism tells a much more recent history.

After Lake Falls comes Cascade Falls, a 45-foot waterfall that hits a wall of rock.

The surface beneath the falls has been smoothed out by the constant flow of water. Do keep in mind that no swimming or wandering off trail is permitted in the park.

Watch your step around here as there are many differently shaped rocks all around, and changes in water levels might adjust things day-to-day.

To fully explore the lower section of the Dells, go down these stairs and hop from one stepping stone to the next. In addition to getting you back to the trail, it will add a whimsical feel to your waterfall journeying.

Last but not least, along the trail you will find Giant's Bathtub.

The name is a tad foreboding, but the waterfall gets its name for the massive pool that collects the runoff from the shelves of sandstone that lead water into the falls.

If you are looking for waterfall adventures a little further south, take a look at this Scenic Waterfall Loop That Connects You To 6 Waterfalls. While I sometimes feel spoiled living in a state with so many state parks to explore, I won't feel bad taking some time in the coming weeks to hike the trail at Matthiessen State Park. Before you plan your visit, be sure to invest in some water shoes so you can enjoy every inch of the trail without having to ride home with wet socks. Do you think a different trail is better than the Dells Canyon and Bluff Trail for spotting waterfalls? We'd love to hear about it!