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PHOTOS: The Wondrous Icefalls of Northern Illinois

Slippery trails along icy canyons can pose a risky situation for visitors to Illinois' scenic state parks, but they're part of the deal if you want to get stunning photos like Tom Gill and his son Chris did this season.

In the past, Gill has snapped stunning photos of Lake Michigan's lighthouses encased in ice. This time, the photographer has ventured deeper into the wilderness to capture more natural frozen structures.

Starved Rock State Park and Matthiessen State Park are only about two miles apart, but together they are home to nearly 20 canyons and 14 waterfalls, many of which freeze during the cold winters. Gill came across the magnificent frrozen falls while searching for bald eagles that often congregate in the area.

(MORE: Strong Lake Michigan Winds Make for Dramatic Photos)

Gill explained that during the winter, the trails to the falls become very slippery and almost impassable. He recommends wearing ice cleats to make the dangerous trek easier.

The waterfall at Wildcat Canyon in Starved Rock State Park is 80 feet, and some of the frozen falls can reach 20 to 30 feet in diameter.

"I'll be the first to say, I don't care for winter or cold weather," Gill told weather.com. "Hiking in warm weather is comfortable, and there are so many things to see – so many colors. Winter is pretty bland and uncomfortable, unless you discover something interesting, like frozen waterfalls or ice-covered lighthouses."

(MORE: I ncredible Waterfalls to See in Every State)

Waterfalls often freeze during the cold months, but even slight weather variances make the falls thaw quickly.

"They are dynamic—ever changing, as falling or splashing water constantly alters their shape," Gill explained. "Each time, the ice is different.

"One of the coolest things about photographing frozen waterfalls is to see in person the scale of them," he said. "They're huge! Another cool thing is when the ice cascades in front of an overhang forming an ice cave. When you're behind the ice and the sunlight shines through, you can see all sorts of patterns and colors in the ice."

You can see more of Tom Gill's photos on his blog.

MORE FROM WEATHER.COM: Incredible Frozen Lighthouses