Description:
Lover’s Leap is a smaller viewpoint on the way to Eagle Cliff, but is still worthy of a stop. From this vantage point, visitors are rewarded with the best viewpoint of Starved Rock and Devil’s Nose (just to the south of Starved Rock) in the park. Just beyond Lover’s Leap, visitors pass the top of Starved Rock dam – watch for it!
Distance from Visitor Center:
0.7 mile
Difficulty:
Moderately difficult. One major staircase along the way and 2/3 of the trail is on boardwalk.
Parking:
Yes. Starved Rock Visitor’s Center main parking lot, Starved Rock Lodge, or the Overflow parking.
Waterfall:
No
Top View:
Yes, of Starved Rock and the Illinois River.
Interior Canyon View:
No
Flora and Fauna:
Wonderful area to look for wildlife activity along the river, including Bald Eagles, White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Terns, and Gulls. This is a pleasant hike through the oak hickory woodlands where a visitor can view species of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory. The sandstone overlooks provide the perfect habitat for White Pine, Eastern Red Cedar, and Northern White Cedar which give a citrus and spice scent to the fall and winter air at the park.