Kinkaid Lake Spillway

I've been to the Kincaid Spillway many times. I've climbed to the top before (like 15 years ago!) but didn't try that this time despite it being dry. I love bringing friends who have never seen it before so they can experience this beautiful setting.

I wanted to see a waterfall on my first trip to southern Illinois. We decided to check this one out since it seemed easy to get to and likely to have water. It is pretty easy to drive there and the falls are right by the parking lot. This is a series of falls that are right below a spillway of a dam that creates Kincaid Lake. Water runs over the top of the dam and down a series of rock drops into a pond at the bottom. This is a series of falls. When we were there, the volume of water was not large but there was definitely a soothing waterfall sound. You can climb up from the bottom to the top. It is sort of like going up stairs. If you like getting up close to a waterfall, this is the place for you.

The spillway is one of our new favorite locations! Don't specifically listen to the reviewers that are complaining about the level of water on the specific day that they went because it changes. It had actually been flooded for a while up until a couple of weeks before we went. Thankfully, because of that, it was manageable to hike up through the water since the levels decreased. Otherwise, you have to hike completely around the spillway, which can be difficult. Main tip, wear anti-slip shoes as there are some pretty slick places. Overall, we absolutely loved it.

Our kids new favorite place! Never overcrowded, at least on our visits. The water is warm but expected with it being a lake. Gorgeous views. Easy to climb up and down. Multiple layers of different heights and depths. There is a swimming spot at the top but we prefer to hang around the falls.

Sure serenity to listen to the waterfall smell it and watch nature in her own rights. Just sit and listen even if you don't climb any closer... It's beautiful.The butterflies joined me on my travel as well..

Absolutely beautiful little swimming hole. Can climb to top of falls or just relax in little spillway. No alcohol allowed and pretty sure they don't condone public smoking as well. But if you looking for nice beautiful relaxation spot or picnic spot this is beautiful.

Gorgeous views, some of the best in the Shawnee Forest! You can climb all the way to the top of the spillway also. You can do it along the rock face, or via the informal support trail along the north edge of the ascent as well. At this location there is a large parking lot with picnic tables and bathrooms, which are probably locked.

If there's been any rain it's often a ragi g waterfall this time of year. When it's not it's a great place to pick your way across the creek n check out the rocky path

Incredible! So full of life. Very picturesque.

One of the most beautiful places In Southern Illinois is a must see , you won't regret it ;)🙏

Such a beautiful place, definitely check it out if you’re in the area!

So it's pretty dry at the moment but that makes it easier to explore, especially for the little ones. You can literally walk all the way up to the dam and swim. It's shallow where you enter the water. You can fish at the bottom of the spillway, and when it's low like this you can literally walk around the entire pool at the bottom.

Always awesome, but right now it is cold, muddy and flooded. SNAKES are around, not by the falls. The water will probably be up by the road after the weekend rain. Mosquitoes! Prolific breeding ground right now.

Such a pretty stop! We went mid-October right after a rain storm and it was only flowing in the center. However, that meant we were able to easily climb over the rocks and explore all 4 tiers of the falls.

Cool place. Looks to be good fishing below the galls in the pool also.

This place is way underrated! This is a cool spot to explore the spillway. A nice easy hike with falls. 10/10 recommend.

Pretty neat place. My fiance and I went today because we knew the water would be really pouring out of the lake down the spillway after the rain. It was only our second visit but we found some walking trails today and also realized that you can walk around to the top of the bank you see as you're coming in and get to the top of the spill way that way if you can't get across the creek at the parking area. Definitely planning to explore more soon! The lake area up at the top of the spill way is also a great place to swim when it's warm and sunny!

Fun little spot to cool off. Definitely slick and rocky so keep the little ones close and your guard up.

Great place for hiking places that make you feel tiny in comparison to such a huge beautiful spillway, especially in the rainy season

Beautiful lake and river with some of the best fishing I've done in the state of Illinois. The spillway can be walked up at times when water is low. With campgrounds right up the road and a bait shop only a mile away this is a great place to make a visit to if you love the outdoors.