Jackson Falls - Simpson, IL
Jackson Falls Dog-Friendly Park – Simpson, Illinois
Jackson Falls is a hidden gem for dog lovers seeking pet-friendly hiking and outdoor adventure in Simpson, Illinois. This scenic spot is renowned for its beautiful waterfalls, rugged out-and-back trails, and an authentic wilderness camping experience. While not a traditional fenced dog park, the area offers open spaces and natural beauty, making it a popular destination for dog owners who enjoy hiking and exploring with their furry companions in Southern Illinois.
Unique features include numerous hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, kid-friendly hikes, and some of the region’s best waterfall views—perfect after a rain. There are camping spots, firepits, and a public restroom (outhouse), but visitors should be prepared to bring their own water and supplies, as there are no water fountains or faucets available. Shade is provided by the wooded environment, and natural swim spots in the falls are available for a refreshing dip for you and your dog. Jackson Falls is ideal for those looking for a pet-friendly, nature-rich adventure outside conventional dog park settings.
FAQs about Jackson Falls Dog-Friendly Park in Simpson, IL
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there is a public restroom (outhouse) available.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park offers numerous hiking and out-and-back trails suitable for both people and leashed dogs.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? There are natural swimming spots in the waterfalls where dogs and visitors can take a dip.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the area is heavily wooded, providing plenty of natural shade.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks can be abundant, especially in summer, so protect yourself and your pets.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the entrance and parking lot are not wheelchair accessible and some trails can be rugged or difficult.
- Are there activities for kids nearby? Yes, the park is kid-friendly with hikes and natural exploration suitable for children.
Reviews
Almost. We arrived around 3PM and the closer we got, seemed like a lot of bad ass kids were down there jumping in the water, just having fun, no big deal. That’s not the look I want. The early bird gets the worm on this one. NEXT TIME!
Amazing hike, getting into the canyon can be difficult but worth it!
Always a beautiful area and trails are marked well, however, when the leaves come back the area gets thick and you might have issues finding where trails end and begin so be vigilant. You can’t go wrong after rain as there are as many as 4 and sometimes 5 waterfalls. Summer can be heavy with ticks, so protect yourself. The area is also a “wet” area which means mosquitos, so again protect yourself. Areas on both sides of the road to camp. No electric sites. There is an outhouse. I don’t believe there is a water faucet so bring a filter to resupply.
We camped and hiked here for 4 days. It was a wonderful wilderness experience, but be prepared to really be roughing it here! There are many firepits but no water source unless you are up for filtering and boiling water from the falls, so bring plenty! They are very clear and a great spot for a quick dip. If you’ve never bathed in a waterfall
, this is a lovely place to try it!
wonderful place. had really good time for the short time i was there. just a weekend. the camping was great. camped at one spot up the hill which was very secluded and peaceful. then spent a night by the river which was very nice listening to the river. the hiking was great.spent many hours hiking around. great views. all in all was a great time and look forward to coming back.