Description:
For those wanting to hike a little bit further than Wildcat Canyon, visitors can follow the brown trail signs along the Brown Bluff Trail to Sandstone Point. Hikers can enjoy a seat along the sandstone escarpment while relaxing a bit before heading back to go down into Wildcat Canyon along the Red River Trail or continue on to Basswood and Lonetree Canyons for canyon views from above.
Distance from Visitor Center:
1.3 miles one way
Difficulty:
Moderate involving several major staircases from the visitor center out to the bluff trail above Wildcat Canyon to Sandstone Point.
Parking:
Starved Rock Visitor Center main parking lot, Starved Rock Lodge, or Overflow parking area
Waterfall:
No
Top View:
Yes, visitors can obtain a view of the Illinois River
Interior Canyon View:
No
Flora and Fauna:
Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, and Pileated Woodpeckers can be heard from trail tapping into a tree for insects or chattering away as Blue Jays, Tree Sparrows, Titmice, and Black-capped Chickadees flit from branch to branch. Wild Turkeys, White-tailed Deer, raccoons, opossums, chipmunks, and Gray Squirrels travel about looking for food and shelter.