Sandstone Bluffs, Natural Bridges, and Emerald Pools Create Illinois’ Most Unexpected Canyon Forest

Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

Most folks don’t know Illinois has a national forest. But down south, Shawnee spreads out with sandstone bluffs, secret caves, and some of the oldest trees in the Midwest.

Bears once roamed here, and now rock climbers and wine lovers do.

Here’s what makes this Illinois forest worth the trip south.

Garden of the Gods Wilderness

The Garden of the Gods Wilderness remains one of Shawnee’s crown jewels in 2025, featuring dramatic sandstone formations that date back more than 320 million years. The quarter-mile Observation Trail offers spectacular views of these unique rock formations.

The trail system has been recently maintained with improved signage and safety barriers installed in early 2025. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views from multiple overlooks along the trail.

For the more adventurous, the 5.5-mile Indian Point Trail connects with the Observation Trail and provides a more challenging hiking experience through the wilderness area.

Jackson Falls Climbing Area

Jackson Falls offers some of the best rock climbing in the Midwest with over 60 climbing routes on sandstone bluffs. In 2025, the climbing area has been equipped with updated safety anchors and new route markers.

The area features both top-rope and lead climbing opportunities ranging from 5.6 to 5.13 in difficulty. A new climber registration system was implemented in late 2024, requiring visitors to check in at the nearby ranger station before climbing.

Local outfitters in Carbondale offer guided climbing experiences and equipment rentals for beginners.

River to River Trail

The 160-mile River to River Trail stretches across the entire forest from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River. Following a major trail restoration project completed in January 2025, the trail now features improved waymarking and newly constructed backcountry shelters at strategic points.

Long-distance hikers can utilize the eight designated campsites that have been upgraded with bear-resistant food storage containers. The most scenic sections include the Cedar Lake portion and the Lusk Creek Wilderness traverse.

A digital trail map with GPS coordinates is now available through the official Shawnee National Forest app.

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

The Rim Rock trail features an ancient stone wall built by prehistoric Native Americans and passes through a corridor of massive sandstone bluffs. The trail was renovated in early 2025 with new wooden staircases and viewing platforms.

Hikers can explore the unique “Fat Man’s Squeeze,” a narrow passage between towering rock formations. The nearby Pounds Hollow Lake now offers new floating docks for fishing access.

The recently implemented timed entry reservation system (established in March 2025) helps manage visitor numbers during peak seasons.

Cave-in-Rock State Park

Located on the eastern edge of the forest along the Ohio River, Cave-in-Rock features a 55-foot-wide riverside cave that was once used by river pirates in the early 19th century.

As of 2025, the park offers newly renovated picnic facilities with covered pavilions and updated grills. The riverside campground now features electrical hookups at all 34 sites following upgrades completed in December 2024.

Visitors can take the Cave-in-Rock Ferry across the Ohio River to Kentucky, operating daily from 6am to 10pm.

Bell Smith Springs

Bell Smith Springs features clear streams, scenic canyons, and natural rock bridges with over 8 miles of interconnected trails. In 2025, the main Natural Bridge Trail was expanded with a new 1.2-mile loop that provides access to previously difficult-to-reach swimming holes.

The natural stone swimming area known as “Devil’s Backbone” remains a popular spot during summer months. New rope swings have been installed at designated swimming areas following safety inspections in April 2025.

The springs maintain a refreshing temperature even during hot summer days.

Tacumseh Lake

This secluded lake received significant upgrades in 2025, including a new floating fishing pier and boat launch facilities for non-motorized watercraft. The recently stocked lake offers excellent bass, crappie, and catfish fishing opportunities.

Kayak and canoe rentals are now available at the lake’s visitor center from March through October. The 3-mile shoreline trail has been widened and resurfaced with crushed limestone for better accessibility.

New in 2025, the lake features five premium waterfront campsites with private docks that can be reserved online.

Little Grand Canyon

The Little Grand Canyon trail descends 365 feet into a box canyon with towering sandstone walls and lush vegetation. Following trail improvements completed in February 2025, the path now features reinforced switchbacks and viewing platforms at key scenic points.

Spring visitors are treated to seasonal waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls after rainfall. New interpretive signs identifying rare plant species were installed in early 2025.

The canyon’s unique microclimate supports plants typically found much further south, creating a truly distinctive ecosystem.

Trigg Tower Overlook (NO PIC)

Recently renovated in January 2025, this historic fire tower now features a reinforced observation deck with 360-degree views of the forest canopy. On clear days, visitors can see up to 20 miles across the rolling Shawnee Hills and even glimpse the Mississippi River to the west.

The tower is accessible via a moderate 1.5-mile trail that was widened and improved in late 2024. New night sky viewing events are scheduled twice monthly throughout 2025, taking advantage of the forest’s designation as a Dark Sky site.

Reservations for these star-gazing events can be made through the forest service website.

One Horse Gap

One Horse Gap features a narrow passage between massive sandstone bluffs that, according to local legend, is only wide enough for a single horse to pass through. In 2025, this remote area has been made more accessible with improved trail markings and a new gravel parking area.

The adjacent backcountry campsites now feature bear-proof food storage lockers installed in March 2025. The area offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species.

The newly established Eastern Bluff Trail connects One Horse Gap with nearby Williams Hill, creating a challenging 7-mile loop for experienced hikers.

Visitor Information

You’ll find Shawnee National Forest spanning 289,000 acres across southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. Most areas are free to enter with no day-use fees at popular sites like Garden of the Gods and Bell Smith Springs.

The forest is open year-round, 24 hours daily, though some recreation areas have seasonal closures. For maps and information, visit one of three offices: Harrisburg Headquarters (50 Hwy 145 South, 618-253-7114), Vienna Office (602 N. First St., 618-658-2111), or Jonesboro Office (521 N. Main St., 618-833-8576).

All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. The forest’s toll-free number is 1-800-MY-WOODS. For campground reservations at developed sites, visit recreation.gov.

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