Fort Saint Louis, until it disappeared circa 1720, became a haven for traders and trappers. Starved Rock State Park derives its name from a Native American Legend of injustice and retribution. In the 1760s, Pontiac, chief of the Ottawa tribe upriver from Starved Rock, was slain by an Illiniwek while attending a tribal council in Southern Illinois. The Illiniwek sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. Hiking There are over 13 miles of well-marked hiking trails that allow you to explore the majestic bluffs, canyons, and river's edge.
Trails are open all year.
Metal trail maps are located at all trail access points, intersections, and points of interest to keep you orientated. There are colored posts or dots along the trails that correspond to the colors on the metal maps and letters on the trail brochure. To further assist you, yellow dots on the posts indicate that you are moving away from the Lodge or Visitor Center. White dots mean that you are returning to either one of those locations. Due to the park's fragile ecosystem, camping is prohibited in unauthorized areas.