The Waterfall Chaser: Bork’s Falls
Last month I wrote an article called The Waterfall Chaser. This new series called appropriately The Waterfall Chaser will focus on photos and videos from our local waterfalls in the Shawnee Hills.
This first entry is a video from Bork’s Falls located at Ferne Clyffe State Park. This fall is on the separated section of the park. A high-clearance or 4×4 is preferred when approaching this fall. A standard front-wheel or rear-wheel with low clearance will have difficulty crossing an unbridged creek. Absolutely do not cross this creek after a hard rain. It only take a few inches of water to make your vehicle float.
UPDATE: Take a look at the comment section on how to get to this waterfall. You can, also, contact the Ferne Clyffe State Park @ 618.995.2411 for more information. Check out the IDNR official website for information regarding Ferne Clyffe @ http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/PARKS/R5/FERNE.HTM
Although technically these are not my best photos, they do show the potential for good shots when the water is flowing just a little more.
Call to Action: Have you ever visited Bork’s Fall? If so, leave a comment and tell us about your experience. If you decide to visit this waterfall, please come back and tell us about your experience so we can share it with others. Make sure to sign up for our email subscription near the upper right corner. This allows you to be the first to get updates to our website via your email. Thanks!
Disclaimer: The author and Shawnee Hills Outdoors disclaim any liability or loss incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application on any information contained in this blog. Please check ranger stations and park superintendents for latest information regarding these areas.
Bork's Falls
Bork's Falls
This is nice, but could we get directions on how to get there?
Thanks for the comment Jeff! The IDNR has the Ferne Clyffe Brochure online. It is a pdf file so you will need Adobe Reader, but here is a link http://dnr.state.il.us/publications/pdf/00000100.pdf. Look for trail #18, Bork’s Waterfall trail on the map section, page 2. Like discussed in the post a high clearance vechile is a must for Regent Lane. Coming in via the Cedar Grove Rd out of Lick Creek requires 2 creek crossing. The first creek crossing while coming in via Cedar Grove Rd can retain a lot of water and is steep on both sides. I absolutely would not recommend coming in this direction without a 4×4. There is at least one major creek crossing if you come in Regent Lane, but you can park just before the creek crossing, but still do not recommend standard cars for visiting this area. Hope this helps and enjoy!
I’ve driven to Bork’s Falls from both directions in a Dodge Neon – although I wouldn’t recommend it! Good advice about not crossing when the water is up.
Bork’s is one of the many lesser known waterfalls in the area and one more reason to get out there after a nice rain; based on the forecast, Sunday and Monday are looking promising.
Thanks Shawnee Explorer for the comment! Bork’s is one of my favorites, except for getting there and hopefully it won’t get to bad, but if it does rain, it will be a great time to photography waterfalls.
Thanks. Sounds like a good ride on the dual sport. Can’t wait to check it out. How far in from the trailhead? Is the trailhead obvious?
It can be seen near from the gravel road if you get out and look over the ledge. The official trail if coming from Goreville, is trail #18, which follows a trail like road till you head down towards an open area where a gas line is buried. The trail get less obvious here, but turn towards the left where you are looking up where the gas line comes down. Then you take a left back into the forest and follow the trail to the falls. Not a very long hike. If I remember correctly there is at least one creek crossing when headed up towards the falls. There are other user-made trails, but definitely I suggest the official trail, because it is very scenic. Watch for turkey hunters in this area until 1pm. Enjoy and please tell us what you think of your trip!
Rode out there on my motorcycle today. Nice ride. The road is steep, curvy, washed out, and full of loose gravel. Good stuff. I can see how that would get raging after a good rainfall.
Sorry it has taken so long to respond. I hope you were able to see it flow a little. Thanks for the comment after visiting the falls.