In my opinion, southern Illinois has the best parks and hiking trails in the state. There is something for everyone from the beginner to the more experienced hikers.
Hikers can experience the diversity that is Illinois by trying out one of the several trails detailed here. My family and I have hiked many of these trails ourselves. We love it so much that we make a point to find new trails to explore every summer. With the Shawnee National Forest as a backdrop, there are nearly limitless choices for many outdoor activities, especially hiking.
Hiking at Fort Massac State Park – Metropolis, IL
Metropolis, home to Superman, also claims bragging rights to Illinois’ first state park, Fort Massac. Positioned along the banks of the Ohio River, the fort has belonged to four different cultures during its lifetime and now serves not only as a park but as a teaching tool by presenting living history weekends and year round activities. The park encompasses 24 acres and offers two trails. The first is a 1-mile loop which stops at the fort. Designated as a Tree Identification Trail, brochures are available in the visitors’ center for this trail. The second trail, The Hickory Nut Trail, follows 2.5 miles of scenic river views.
Hiking at Garden-of-the Gods – Hardin County, IL
Engulfed by the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods covers 3300 acres. It offers two trails systems. The Observation Trail, which is the easier of the two, only runs about.25 miles. Its breathtaking vistas and unusual rock formations will delight visitors. Plan to spend at least an hour on this trail to be able to enjoy all it has to offer. The other trail which runs through Garden of the Gods is actually part of a much larger trail system known as the River-to-River Trail. This trail covers over 160 miles and stretches from Cave-In-Rock, Il on the east to Grand Tower on the Mississippi River. The trail ranges from moderate to difficult.
Hiking in Pounds Hollow and Rim Rock State Parks – Hardin County, IL
Pounds Hollow and Rim Rock are two distinct parks linked by adjoining trails. Rim Rock boasts spectacular views from the cliff tops. Three different trails suggest options to hikers. Utilizing flagstone pavers and wooden steps, the cliff top trails offer mazes, tight-squeezes and scenic overlooks. The trail around Pounds Hollow Lake is more rugged and not as well marked. The lake has a recreation area, a perfect place to finish up after a day of hiking.
Hiking at Pomona Natural Bridge – Pomona, IL
At just 1/3 of a mile, this trail is more than the distance implies. A natural path winds through a mature forest and empties upon the sandstone bridge. Stretching 90 feet above a gently tumbling stream 25 feet below, the bridge is only 6 to 8 feet wide. The trail is a loop and takes only 45 minutes to an hour to complete but is well worth the time to view this naturally made wonder.
Hiking in Ferne Clyffe State Park – Goreville, IL
Covering more than 2400 acres in the Shawnee Hills, Ferne Clyffe State Park can be traced to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Trail of Tears. Named for the abundance of ferns that grow there, the park also boasts a 150-foot-long shelter bluff and a more than 100-foot intermittent waterfall. Eighteen trails of varying degrees of difficulty crisscross the park allowing every level of hiker to enjoy their visit. Ranging from short and simple at .25 miles to the more challenging ones that stretch for eight miles, diversity abounds within the park boundaries. The River-to-River Trail mentioned above also passes through part of Ferne Clyffe State Park.
Hiking in southern Illinois is adventure you won’t want to miss.
