Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

Herod, Illinois

4.9/5

based on 12 reviews

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Details

Distance

0.58 miles

Elevation Gain

56 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Sunshine LeMontree

Just 5 hours south of Chicago, explore a unique wilderness area characterized by fantastic rock formations, gorgeous forests, rivers, and canyons along the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.

In the southernmost part of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a wonderful natural area that transports you far from the flat agricultural landscape typical of so much of the Midwest. Located in the central area of the forest, Garden of the Gods is a 3,318-acre wilderness area characterized by unique rock formations, deep layers of forest, amazing views and fantastic hikes along rivers and through canyons. To gain your bearings, take the short Garden of the Gods Observation Trail. It's a quarter mile loop walk, paved with flagstones for easy accessibility, but it provides wonderful photo opportunities along the cliffs. Afterward, venture into the Garden of Gods Wilderness Area to explore. An all-year campground is located nearby, but camping is available for free throughout the wilderness area.

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Features

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Easy Parking

Forest

Scenic

Wildlife

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail Reviews

Kerri Everett

Wanderer

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

10/30/23

The weather was nice, kind of hot, and a little windy at the higher elevations.

5.0

PRO

Lucas Bremer

PRO

Explorer

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

06/18/20

Garden of the Gods was recently featured on the National Park series quarters. There is a good reason for it. It is possible the most scenic spot in Illinois.

5.0

Lost Adventurer

Wanderer

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

07/30/18

My daughter and I decided on an impromptu weekend camping/hiking trip coming from Western Kentucky. The weather was great, location amazing and scenes are breathtaking. The area was mildly populated so we had time to take pictures without being rushed. We camped at the camp sites right down the road which was very clean and well-kept. (The outhouses could use cleaning a little more often though). The hike was very easy and we recommend a sunset hike. This a very short hike so you can squeeze in several short ones in a day.

5.0

S K7

Beginner

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

12/16/17

One of the hidden gems of Illinois.

5.0

John Chretien

Beginner

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

02/20/17

A good place to go as a family. Tons more trails as well. Definitely will be going again soon!

4.0

Anthony Kahl

Beginner

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

12/28/16

Absolutely stunning

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Arch of the Gods

Hundreds of people will drive past this trail and arch on the weekends and never know they just drove past one of the best sights within the Garden of Gods Wilderness of the Shawnee National Forest. It is a few hundred feet off the road on the way to the more popular Garden of the Gods Observation Trail. To find it, look for the first pull out on your way to the main attraction of Garden of t...

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Rim Rock Trail follows the edge of the bluff top, hence its name, and features vistas of a slot canyon below, a stone fort used by prehistoric Native Americans, a cave used on the Underground Railroad, and diverse wildlife habitats. Located near very popular Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock is sometimes overlooked. It shouldn't be. Most of the trail is paved with rock, and after the first 100 yard...

Pounds Lake

This 25 acre lake within the Shawnee National Forest was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are several large picnic areas and shelters available along with a sand beach and swimming area. The hollow is surrounded by sandstone bluffs and sharp cliffs and provides an excellent day paddle or catching the many bass or catfish. Only electric motors are allowed for fishing boats and m...

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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 here was transported to the Union Army during the Civil War. Today visitors can enjoy a sheltered pi...

Indian Kitchen

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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 canoeing and kayaking in all of Illinois. The river is not as easily accessible as many of the other ...

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

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Garden of the Gods Observation Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Arch of the Gods

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Pounds Lake

Iron Furnace Historic Site

Indian Kitchen

Paddle Lusk Creek Wilderness

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