Pope County, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Pope County
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Golconda, Illinois
Paddle or Swim at Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Hike, swim, paddle, fish, bike, or picnic is a amazing medium size lake in the heart of the Shawnee. Surrounded by trees, bluffs, creeks, and trails in all directions paired with its central location many attractions in Southern Illinois, Lake Glendale is a great spot to spend a day or a week. Fr...Read more -
Golconda, Illinois
Camp at Oak Point Campground
Oak Point Campground is located in the Lake Glendale Recreation Area, there are 34 full hook up sites and 25 primitive tent camping sites. Group camping is also available at the Duck Bay Shelter and the Goose Bay Shelter. All sites are first come first serve and does get crowded on Summer weekend...Read more -
Eddyville, Illinois
Paddle Lusk Creek Wilderness
For a full day on Lusk Creek, put in at Iron Bridge and paddle 7.1 miles of Shawnee National Forest beauty. This 8 hour excursion is sure to delight the senses as you pass through some of the most pristine areas in Illinois. Lusk Creek is a remote, pristine stream that provides some of the best c...Read more -
Golconda, Illinois
Ghost Dance Canyon
0.58 mi / 39 ft gainWhen you arrive at Dixon Springs State Park, drive through the park and stop and take in the main attraction of a waterfall that is partially man made. Then drive and park at the swimming pool, walk to the front of it where the building is, and turn to the right. Follow the trail, and be mindful ...Read more -
Simpson, Illinois
Hike Millstone Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest
1 mi / 193 ft gainListed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mile loop trail leads you along a bluff line to the ruins of a historic village of Woodland and Mississippian Native Americans. Mississippian Natives established a village here between 1000 and 500 years ago. The older Woodland Indians bu...Read more -
Pope County, Illinois
Hike to Indian Kitchen
4.8 mi / 192 ft gainDesignated a national natural landmark in 1980, Lusk Creek Canyon is the name of a 906-acre canyon located within the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area of the Shawnee National Forest in Pope County, Illinois. The Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark features an outstanding sce...Read more -
Simpson, Illinois
Hike to Sand Cave
1.2 mi / 32 ft gainShawnee National Forest played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad in the mid-19th century. As slaves escaped and headed north, the dense forest and rugged terrain offered natural hiding places. On the route through Pope County, Illinois, freedom seekers often used Sand Cave for shelter an...Read more -
Simpson, Illinois
Paddle Millstone Lake
Enjoy the seclusion of this 118-acre lake. After a few miles of unimproved rough road, you will arrive at the spill way of Millstone Lake. The remoteness alone is worth the trip. Kayak, Canoe, or SUP the lake and even extend it up a couple of miles into Bay Creek. Fishing is also enjoyed on the l...Read more -
Ozark, Illinois
Hike Bell Smiths Springs
1.5 mi / 164 ft gainFour separate trails make up the 8 miles of available hikes in the Bell Smith Springs National Natural Landmark. The dirt trails can be moderate to difficult in some areas. Please, stay on designated trails. The trails pass under large shelter bluffs and various rock formations while offering vie...Read more -
Simpson, Illinois
Hike & Climb at Jackson Falls
4.5 mi / 410 ft gainThe road into Jackson Falls is rough and sometimes has washouts. A high clearance or 4x4 vehicle are almost required. Once you reach the parking or primitive camping area, take the short path to the top of the falls. It is close to only a 0.25 miles. This will give you a visual of the rest of the...Read more -
Simpson, Illinois
Climb Up the Trigg Observation Tower
5.0Trusting in the iron supporting the stairs is difficult until you step on the wood, which soon become your main concern. A fun test for a fear of heights.Read more -
Smithland, Kentucky
Joy Falls (Mandy Falls)
Joy Falls (aka "Mandy Falls") is a great cascade and shelf that falls of about 10 feet await along the roadway a few miles from Mantle Rock Nature Preserve. Glades and barrens also provide for rare wildlife and countless wildflowers in the spring and summer. Spend an hour or five minutes enjoyin...Read more -
Smithland, Kentucky
Hike the Mantle Rock Nature Preserve Loop
2.3 mi / 230 ft gainJust as its name implies, the centerpiece of The Nature Conservancy's Mantle Rock Nature Preserve is a 30-foot natural sandstone bridge spanning 188 feet and embellished by bluffs, shelters, honeycomb formations, fluorite deposits, and a rock-lined stream. The nature preserve also contains extrao...Read more -
Stonefort, Illinois
Hike to Burden Falls
4.00.8 miLocated in the Shawnee National Forest near Stonefort, Burden Falls, though perhaps small by other standards, is among the highest in Illinois. There are many side trails to explore, making this a great spot for birders and photographers. The hike is a 0.8 mile moderately rated loop trail. Thoug...Read more -
Ozark, Illinois
Explore Camp Ondessonk
10 miIn the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is an amazing camp that provides many adventures for those with all skill levels. When camp is out, anyone is allowed to visit Camp Ondessonk as a guest and explore. There are over 10 miles of trails through pristine forests, sandstone canyons, and sev...Read more -
Elizabethtown, Illinois
Visit Iron Furnace Historic Site
Originally built in 1837, this thirty two foot tall structure was constructed on a limestone foundation and erected with limestone blocks quarried locally from the town of Cave-In-Rock. This iron furnace is the last remaining of its kind in Illinois. It is thought that some of the iron produced h...Read more
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Pope County
Calvert City, Kentucky
Paducah / I-24 / Kentucky Lake KOA Journey
Welcome to western Kentucky! Enjoy the beautiful rolling terrain, four major rivers and two large lakes with all the amenities. This KOA'...
Kuttawa, Kentucky
Eureka
Overview
Eureka Campground sits on Lake Barkley among wooded rolling hills and abundant wildlife. Fishing is a well-loved sport here; Ken...
Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Canal
Overview
Situated along a peninsula between the lush shorelines of Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, Canal Campground offers modern camping...
Kuttawa, Kentucky
Old Kuttawa
Overview
Old Kuttawa Recreation Area is on the northern shores of Lake Barkley, near the narrow canal linking it to Kentucky Lake. Togeth...
Benton, Illinois
Benton KOA Journey
Conveniently located off I-57 and just 2 miles from Rend Lake (one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois), you can pull in and out of this KO...
Benton, Illinois
Dale Miller Youth
Overview
Congratulations! You've just discovered Rend Lake, the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, events and nature at...