Time spent on the trails is always well-spent and memorable. Whether you hit the hiking trails in Illinois with your four-legged companion or the family, you will enjoy the adventurous hikes. The Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois is one of the most recommended places to explore. You will forget everything you ever thought about Illinois’s landscape when you see the rugged bluffs and dramatic overlooks found in Shawnee.
Shawnee has an amazing list of scenic areas and parks to explore. There are spots for hiking in Illinois for all ages and abilities—from a quarter-mile easy trek to a multi-day backpacking adventure, the options are vast. It’s hard to choose your favorite trails, but there are a few areas you will love to visit over and over for their natural beauty and friendly hikes.
Read on to discover the best hiking trails in Illinois.
Though the real Grand Canyon is a bit longer drive from Illinois, the Little Grand Canyon in Pomona Township is a manageable and preferred destination. The year-round trail is a 3-mile loop through the Shawnee National Forest. If you want a scenic hike in Illinois, this is it. The place is beautiful in spring when colorful wildflowers bloom along the path. Another best time is during the fall when the forest becomes a collage of autumn colors. The trail rating is difficult to moderate due to the wet, rocky terrain and steep slopes. Though a little difficult, the beauty of the Little Grand Canyon Trail is worth it for those who can manage. Remember to carry the Illinois Hiking Trails Map outdoors.
Garden of Gods is one of the best hiking trails in Illinois. The half-mile-long pathway takes you from the parking lot to the bluffs, offering many viewing spots. You can climb on the rocks and view the forest from different angles. On a clear day, you can see the hills of Missouri. Don’t forget to check out the most famous Camel Rock.
Garden of Gods, a heavily trafficked area in Shawnee National Forest, is also an amazing spot for sunset viewing as the rocks face west. During autumn, you will admire colorful rolling hills covered in autumn foliage, but it also gets windy. Bringing extra layers of warm clothes will come in handy. On the other hand, in the hot summer, the wind adds a nice breeze to a hot day.
The top cabin rentals in Illinois are the ideal accommodations for resting after a tiring hike in the forest. Book a convenient cottage close to the Garden of the Gods for the ultimate comfort and relaxation.
The Rim Rock trail winds through enormous rock formations and around the edge of a rock escarpment before dropping through a rift in the cliff to the valley floor. As the name goes, this scenic trail of Rim Rock leads around the rim of a rock escarpment. A 7/8-mile trail leads the visitor around the top rim of the Pounds. It’s a circular 40-acre tract of land isolated from the surrounding terrain by steep sandstone bluffs. This is one of the most-visited trails for hiking in Illinois.
The park is popular among visitors for activities like birding, camping, and hiking. Though this Hiking Spot in Illinois is just over one mile, it’s said to be a more challenging route. The hike begins at Deer Ridge Campground and ends at the waterfall, where the water is calm and shallow— the perfect place to cool off after a long hike!
You can also explore the paths around and up the waterfall, though they can be slippery when wet. Other hikers, both with families and pets, will also be heading towards the waterfall.
Accommodation at Shawnee National Forest
So, if you’re looking for cabins and cottages in Illinois – you’ve come to the right place! Shawnee Forest Cabins offers unique and diverse lodging for every taste and budget. Whether planning a family holiday or a romantic getaway, we can provide you with the perfect stay option. Everything is designed with the best forest retreat in mind, from romantic suites with a fireplace to affordable vacation rental cabins. Book your cabins now to explore the top hiking locations in Illinois.
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