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Carmi, Illinois

Top Spots in and near Carmi

  • New Harmony, Indiana

    Explore Historic New Harmony and Harmonie State Park

    1 mi / 11 ft gain
    Historic New Harmony, Indiana honors two unique communities from the early 1800's. The Rappites located here in 1814. They were fleeing from religious persecution and awaiting the impending millennium. In 1824, the Owenites brought many great scientists and philosophers into the area when they pu...
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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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  • 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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  • Henderson, Kentucky

    Hike the Wilderness Lake Trail

    3.0
    1 mi / 0 ft gain
    This well kept trail is one of seven trails at John James Audubon State Park. A great short hike for the family starts at roughly 600 ft with minimal elevation change. The trail is surrounded by hardwoods and moss for the first half mile then the forest opens up to a small lake/wetlands area. The...
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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

    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

    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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  • 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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  • 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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  • Johnston City, Illinois

    Arrowhead Lake Trail

    5.0
    2.12 mi / 105 ft gain
    Arrowhead Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Johnston City, Illinois.
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  • Stonefort, Illinois

    Hike to Burden Falls

    4.0
    0.8 mi
    Located 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...
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  • Pope County, Illinois

    Hike to Indian Kitchen

    4.8 mi / 192 ft gain
    Designated 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...
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  • 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...
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  • Ozark, Illinois

    Hike Bell Smiths Springs

    1.5 mi / 164 ft gain
    Four 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...
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  • Simpson, Illinois

    Hike to Sand Cave

    1.2 mi / 32 ft gain
    Shawnee 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...
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  • Simpson, Illinois

    Hike & Climb at Jackson Falls

    4.5 mi / 410 ft gain
    The 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...
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Camping and Lodging in Carmi

Gun Creek
Whittington, Illinois

Gun Creek

Benton KOA Journey
Benton, Illinois

Benton KOA Journey

South Marcum Day Use
Benton, Illinois

South Marcum Day Use

South Marcum Campround
Benton, Illinois

South Marcum Campround

Dale Miller Youth
Benton, Illinois

Dale Miller Youth