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Belknap, Illinois

Top Spots in and near Belknap

  • Pomona, Illinois

    Hike the Little Grand Canyon Trail

    5.0
    3.6 mi / 365 ft gain
    The trail starts along Hickory Ridge, the southern rim of the canyon. Continue on the trail as it begins to descend into the canyon, following the white diamond markers – you can make a quick stop off along a side path, which leads to some scenic river views. When you reach a stone staircase in t...
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  • 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...
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  • Herod, Illinois

    Hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

    4.9
    1 mi
    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 ...
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  • Herod, Illinois

    Garden of the Gods Trail

    1.0
    2.16 mi / 256 ft gain
    Garden of the Gods Trail is an out-and-back trail where you can see beautiful wildflowers located near Equality, Illinois.
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  • Herod, Illinois

    Explore the Arch of the Gods

    0.25 mi / 50 ft gain
    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 Observatio...
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  • Arlington, Kentucky

    Explore Columbus-Belmont State Park

    2 mi / 134 ft gain
    Columbus-Belmont State Park is a stop along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway that combines pivotal Civil War history with dramatic cliffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The park is also a stop along the Trail of Tears National Historical Trail and the Civil War Heritage Trail.  The ...
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  • Murphysboro, Illinois

    Paddle at Lake Murphysboro State Park

    Beautiful rolling hills and woods surround Lake Murphysboro and provide opportunities for boating, fishing, picnicking, camping and hiking. Paddling is a perfect past time here. Canoe, Kayak, and Paddle Boards are all allowed much of the year. If fishing is on the agenda, a 10 hp maximum outboard...
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  • Junction, Illinois

    Hike Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

    1.7 mi / 360 ft gain
    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 someti...
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  • Junction, Illinois

    Paddle or Swim at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area

    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 pa...
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  • Gorham, Illinois

    Explore Kindcaid Lake Spillway

    One of Illinois' best kept secrets, the Kincaid Lake Spillway is a awesome swimming hole just outside of Murphysboro. The three level cascade makes for a great place to spend a hot summer day. People sit, splash, or even slide down the tiers into the pools below.  There is a small side trail that...
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  • Cave-In-Rock State Park, Illinois

    Hike to Cave-in-Rock

    0.75 mi / 110 ft gain
    Located in a Southern Illinois State Park bearing its name, Cave-in-Rock is a 55 ft wide limestone cavern that sits along the banks of the Ohio River. Once a site of Murderers, River Pirates, and a brothel is now a crown jewel of the Illinois State Park system. The beauty of the area and the dark...
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  • Grand Rivers, Kentucky

    Backpack the North - South National Scenic Trail

    59 mi / 3362 ft gain
    For 59 miles, the North-South National Scenic Trail winds up and down wooded hollows as you make your way along the length of Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. A National Recreational Trail, the North-South has a great mix of coastal views of Kentucky Lake (one of the largest artif...
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