Junction, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Junction
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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...Read more -
Junction, Illinois
Hike Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
1.7 mi / 360 ft gainRim 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...Read more -
Herod, Illinois
Explore the Arch of the Gods
0.25 mi / 50 ft gainHundreds 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...Read more -
Herod, Illinois
Garden of the Gods Trail
1.02.16 mi / 256 ft gainGarden of the Gods Trail is an out-and-back trail where you can see beautiful wildflowers located near Equality, Illinois.Read more -
Herod, Illinois
Hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
4.91 miIn 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 ...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 -
Cave-In-Rock State Park, Illinois
Hike to Cave-in-Rock
0.75 mi / 110 ft gainLocated 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...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 -
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 -
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 -
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 -
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 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 -
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 -
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
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
Top Activities
Camping and Lodging in Junction
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
South Marcum Day Use
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Benton, Illinois
South Marcum Campround
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Benton, Illinois
Dale Miller Youth
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Benton, Illinois
Spillway Group Area
Overview
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