Ozark, Illinois
Looking for the best hiking in Ozark? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Ozark. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Hiking Spots in and near Ozark
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Belknap, Illinois
Hike the Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail
1.5 mi / 125 ft gainThis easy trail crosses a truss bridge over the Cache River and features a floating boardwalk in the middle of one of the most beautiful and accessible Cypress-Tupelo swamps in the Midwest. There are 10 interpretive panels located along the trail to guide your way. The floating boardwalk section ...Read more -
Makanda, Illinois
Hike the Giant City Nature Trail
1.1 mi / 125 ft gainPioneers had not seen skyscrapers, so these sheer bluffs seemed like the “streets of a giant city” to them. Thus became the naming of a pinnacle state park in Illinois. Giant City State Park is a paradise for hikers, climbers, campers, and lovers of nature. Parts of the park reminds you of the Mi...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 -
Makanda, Illinois
Hike or Climb Devil's Standtable
0.5 mi / 75 ft gainDevil's Standtable was once a large block of the bluff that cracked loose during earth movements. The wind and rain erosion of the surface removed the softer areas of sandstone in the mid-section of the pillar leaving the large base and iron embedded cap much larger, which creates the mushroom-li...Read more -
Makanda, Illinois
Devil's Standtable Trail
0.26 mi / 75 ft gainDevil's Standtable Trail is a loop trail where you may see great forest setting located near Makanda, Illinois.Read more -
Makanda, Illinois
Hike the Stonefort Trail
0.75 mi / 125 ft gainThe 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 amaz...Read more -
Makanda, Illinois
Trillium Trail
1.22 mi / 253 ft gainThe natural area you are now entering is 110 acres of bluffs and forest designated as Fern Rocks Nature Preserve. The reasons this was designated a preserve were to protect not only the sandstone bluffs, but also two endangered plants. The white flowered mint, and the grove bluegrass. many other ...Read more -
Johnston City, Illinois
Arrowhead Lake Trail
5.02.12 mi / 105 ft gainArrowhead Lake Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Johnston City, Illinois.Read more -
Golconda, Illinois
Ghost Dance Canyon
0.58 mi / 39 ft gainWhen you arrive at Dixon Springs State Park, drive through the park and stop and take in the main attraction of a waterfall that is partially man made. Then drive and park at the swimming pool, walk to the front of it where the building is, and turn to the right. Follow the trail, and be mindful ...Read more -
Cypress, Illinois
Hike the Egret Slough Trail
0.5 mi / 12 ft gainFor a great introduction to the Cache River Basin of Southern Illinois make your way to the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center. Here you will find a spur trail to the Tunnel Hill Bicycle Trail, information and exhibits, and ranger information about area trails and paddle put in's. Just outsid...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 -
Carbondale, Illinois
Fernlands Preserve Trail
5.00.69 mi / 46 ft gainFernlands Preserve Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Carbondale, Illinois.Read more -
Jonesboro, Illinois
Camp in the Trail of Tears State Forest
Trail of Tears State Forest lies within one of the most rugged landscapes in Illinois. The hills are steep, and the soil is shallow and susceptible to erosion. Cliffs are all around and streams with gravel bottoms are in the narrow forest filled valleys. In 1838-39 the Cherokee, Creek, and Chicka...Read more -
Pomona, Illinois
Hike to Pomona Natural Bridge
0.5 mi / 68 ft gainThe Pomona Natural Bridge located in Pomona Illinois is a great hike for most ages. Starting on a scenic drive from the small town of Pomona, there is ample parking at the trailhead. The hiking trail is easily identified with its gravel path and sign. The trail begins at the top of a hill then d...Read more -
Pomona, Illinois
Hike the Little Grand Canyon Trail
5.03.6 mi / 365 ft gainThe 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...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