Pope County, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Pope County
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Jonesboro, Illinois
Trail Run at Lincoln Memorial Park
1.75 mi / 37 ft gainThe Lincoln Memorial Park is the site of a 1859 debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas. This marks a stop on the Lincoln Historic Trail and was an important milestone in the growth of Abraham Lincoln. The site has several interpretive markers and memorials where the men once stood and...Read more -
Grand Rivers, Kentucky
Backpack the North - South National Scenic Trail
59 mi / 3362 ft gainFor 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...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 -
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 -
Wickliffe, Kentucky
Explore Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site
0.4 mi / 13 ft gainA Native American village once occupied the site of Wickliffe Mounds, about A.D. 1100 to 1350. Here, the Mississippian culture built earthen mounds and permanent houses around a central plaza overlooking the Mississippi River. Visitors follow a self guided trail system to view the Ceremonial, Ch...Read more -
Alto Pass, Illinois
Drive through the Bald Knob Wilderness
5.0Adjacent to the beautiful Bald Knob Cross monument is one of the most scenic drives in Southern Illinois. The road winds and turns through this rugged and remote wilderness. Highlights along the way for hikers are the Bald Knob trail loop and the linear Godwin Trail which connects into Clear Spr...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 -
Eddyville, Kentucky
Hike Hematite Lake
4.02.4 mi / 111 ft gainThe Hematite Trail is a great loop for hikers and trail runners located in the heart of Land Between the Lakes Wilderness. Beginning your hike near the picnic grounds adjacent to the Nature Station, this hike is great year round and is good for all skill levels, including families. From awesome l...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 -
Wolf Lake, Illinois
Hike to Inspiration Point at LaRue Pine Hills
0.75 mi / 164 ft gainInspiration Point Trail is a 0.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Wolf Lake, Illinois. The Inspiration Point Trail offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands and is well worth the climb. The 300-foot drop, seven feet to the left ...Read more -
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...Read more