Hike the Stonefort Trail
Makanda, Illinois
Details
Distance
0.75 miles
Elevation Gain
125 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Lucas Bremer
Walk a trail thousands of years in the making.
The massive stone wall was at one time 285 feet long, six feet high, and nine feet thick. The appearance of a “stone fort” or stone wall here at Giant City is one of at least ten in
Southern Illinois.
The trail begins at the parking lot and traverses a intermittent cascade waterfall that is amazing after snow melt or spring rains. It is steep and rugged, so be sure to wear quality shoes. Once atop the bluff the stone wall that gives the trail it's name begins to come into view. The wall is over 1,000 years old and is though to have been used as a neutral trading ground for various Woodland tribes in the area.
Today, the wall and barrens of the cliff top provided unique living areas for various wildflowers, plants, and rare animals. large shelters reside within the sandstone walls, and massive boulders provide climbing challenges for novice to experienced climbers.
The path then moves along the top of the cliff, rappelling here is restricted so please look at the parks website for more information. The trail then loops back to where one started.
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Nearby
Trillium Trail
Hike or Climb Devil's Standtable
Devil's Standtable Trail
Hike Indian Creek Trail
Hike the Giant City Nature Trail
Camp at Giant City State Park Campground
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