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Garden of the Gods Recreational Area [H]
Description: Arguably the finest display of rock formations in southern Illinois, Garden of the Gods is also one of the most accessible, or so it seems after bouncing along the road to Jackson Hollow. It is located about fifteen miles southeast of Harrisburg. Several rock formations here have acquired well-known names such as Noah's Ark, Table Rock and Devil's Smokestack. However, Camel Rock, probably the most photographed feature in southern Illinois, is the main draw and is seen along the paved Observation Trail.
Trails: There are two hiking trails here.
 The Observation Trail is popular for the dozens of afternoon visitors that are more than likely to be there also. This minimally difficult trail is 1/2 mile round trip and allows you to see most of the better known rock formations in the area.The remaining rock formations and a more challenging hike can be experienced on the Wilderness Trail, which is 4 miles round trip and moderately difficult. A campground and picnic areas are available.
Directions: From Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive 25 miles east on Illinois 13 to US 45 in Harrisburg. Turn right onto US 45 and drive 1 mile to Illinois 34. Turn left onto Illinois 34 and drive 16 miles to Karbers Ridge Road. Turn left onto Karbers Ridge Road and drive 3 miles to Garden of the Gods Road. Turn left onto Garden of the Gods Road, and follow the signs.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Herod, IL and Karbers Ridge, IL
Giant City State Park [I]
Description: One of three state parks in this site, Giant City State Park is the most developed recreational area in southern Illinois. The park earned its name from the large rock formations that that formed "streets and buildings" found on the Giant City Nature Trail. The park has several notable shelter caves and a virgin forest stand.
Trails: There are several trails within the park. Four of the more popular trails include:
The Devil's Standtable Trail is a short 1/3 mile trail that leads to the trail's namesake. The feature can be difficult to find. Turn right when the trail splits at the base of the bluffs. Cross the small stream and keep looking up at the bluffs on your left. One of several areas in Southern Illinois where remains of former Native American cultures can be seen, the Stonefort Trail leads to the remains of a stone wall built by the Woodland Native Americans. The 1/3 mile trail is short yet challenging.If you are looking for the rock formations from where the park received its name, hike the Giant City Nature Trail. This 1 mile trail guides you through some of the best scenery in Southern Illinois.One of the longer and more difficult trails in the park, the 2 mile Trillium Trail takes you through a nature preserve which is home to a diverse plant and animal population.There are also stables for horseback riding, campgrounds, and a boat dock on neighboring Little Grassy Lake. In addition, the park also has playgrounds, picnic shelters, visitor center and a lodge.
Directions: From Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive 15 miles west on Illinois 13 to Giant City Road in Carbondale. Turn left onto Giant City Road and drive 10 miles to the Giant City State Park north entrance. The visitors center is at this entrance.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Makanda, IL
Jackson Hollow [J]
Description: Jackson Hollow is more popular for its rock climbing and bouldering opportunities than it is for hiking. The unmarked area is tucked away southeast of Ozark in Pope County with no signs directing what little traffic come in search for it. Once you find the parking area, finding the user-made trails are no problem. An impressive waterfall at the head of a canyon that stretches west is only a few feet from the parking area.
Trails: The trail from the parking area goes a short distance to Jackson Falls at the head of the canyon. From there, trails continue along the bluffs on both sides and eventually down into the canyon. Once in the canyon it is easy to become disoriented, since the user trails no longer well-defined. If you keep the bluffs at your side, you should not get lost, but a topographical map is recommended for exploration here.
Directions: From Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive east on Illinois 13 for 5.8 miles to Illinois 166. Turn right onto Illinois 166, and drive 14.7 miles to US 45. Turn right onto US 45, and drive 2.6 miles to Ozark Road. Turn left onto Ozark Road and drive 4.5 miles to Trigg Tower Road. Turn left onto Trigg Tower Road and drive 0.2 miles to Pope County Road. Turn right onto Pope County Road, and drive 1.9 miles to the parking area on the right side of the road.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Stonefort, IL and Glendale, IL
LaRue-Pine Hills National Natural Landmark [K]
Description: Anyone driving along Illinois 3 south of Gorham will see the rugged bluffs of the Pine Hills on the east side of the Mississippi floodplain. If you choose to take the trail mentioned below, remind yourself that you will soon be standing on top of the bluffs directly in front of you as you drive along the levee road off of Illinois 3. From the top you have a birds-eve view of the Mississippi River floodplain to the west. This is my pick for taking in a great summer sunset.
Trails: The Inspiration Point Trail is a steep 1.5 mile long trail that reaches the top of Pine Hill bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River floodplain. There is a picnic area available at the parking area.
Directions: From Exit 30 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 146, drive west 6 miles on Illinois 146 to the intersection with Main Street in Anna. Turn left on Main Street (still Illinois 146) and drive 9.8 miles to Illinois 3. Turn right on Illinois 3 and drive 8.9 miles to Muddy Levee Road (on the south side of the Big Muddy River). Turn right on Muddy Levee Road and drive 2.8 miles to LaRue Road. Turn left on LaRue Road and drive 0.4 miles to Pine Hills Road. Turn right on Pine Hills Road. The parking area and trailhead are immediately on the the right side of Pine Hills Road.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Wolf Lake, IL
Little Grand Canyon Natural Area [L]
Description: The Little Grand Canyon is in southern Jackson County about ten miles southwest of Murphysboro. The canyon opens into the Mississippi River flood plain. The area is known for its botanic diversity and sizable snake population. There are lookouts along the bluffs from where the Mississippi River can be seen.
Trails: The Loop Trail is 3.6 miles long. From the parking area, the trail descends slowly at first but soon drops into the canyon floor. The trail has steep climbs on either end of the canyon that can become hazardous in wet conditions. Look for steps carved into the rock as you descend into the canyon. There is a picnic area available.
Directions: From Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive west 22 miles on Illinois 13 to the intersection with South Illinois 127 in Murphysboro. Turn left onto South Illinois 127 and drive 5.8 miles to Etherton Road. Turn right onto Etherton Road and drive 2.6 miles to Poplar Ridge Road. Turn left onto Poplar Ridge Road and drive 3.6 miles to a road on the right side leading to the parking area.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Gorham, IL
Lusk Creek Canyon Wilderness Area [M]
Description: Lusk Creek Wilderness Area is located in northern Pope County near Eddyville. The area is known for its sheer rock walls that rise to 100 feet above the creek in places. One area at a hairpin turn in the creek is named Indian Kitchen because of evidence that humans used this areas thousands of years ago. The cliffs at Indian Kitchen are particularly impressive. In addition, several small caves and the Lusk Creek Nature Preserve can be found nearby.
Trails: The trail leading from the parking area to Indian Kitchen is 3.5 miles long round trip, and is almost entirely flat until the final 1/4 mile as you descend into the canyon. A topographical map is recommended for further exploration into the canyon past Indian Kitchen . There are no facilities available.
Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive east on Illinois 146 for less than a mile to Illinois 147. Turn left onto Illinois 147, and drive 13 miles to Illinois 145. Turn left onto Illinois 145 and drive 6 miles to Eddyville Road. Turn right onto Eddyville Road and drive less than a mile to Indian Kitchen Road. Turn left onto Indian Kitchen Road and drive 2 miles to a small parking area on the left side of the road. The trail begins on the opposite side of the road.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Eddyville, IL
Marberry Arboretum [N]
Description: A 25 acre arboretum maintained (and currently being planned for restoration) by the Carbondale Park District is home to many native and exotic plant species. This area is good for birdwatching.
Trails: A series of trails cover the arboretum taking walkers through meadows, woodlands and by a pond. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the arboretum.
Directions: From Interstate 57 and Illinois 13 in Marion, drive west on Illinois 13 for about 15 miles to US 51 South (University Avenue) in Carbondale. Turn left onto US 51 South and drive about 3 miles to Pleasant Hill Road. Turn left onto Pleasant Hill Road and drive 0.6 miles to the Marberry Arboretum entrance and parking area on the right side of the road.
Journal: August 2005 - I debated whether to include the arboretum in this online guide, but since it is a unique site to the area I included it years ago hoping that the buzz of a restoration that has been talked about is on the way. That restoration cannot come soon enough. On this visit, the lack of brochures available to help guide visitors through the arboretum, lack of maintenence, and lack of signing within the arboretum did not make the visit too rewarding. Still for anyone wanting to view a wide variety of plant life not native to Illinois, should stop by and wander the maze of trails. Botany majors and botanists will get far more than I, who can only say..."wow that tree looks unusual".
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Carbondale, IL
Millstone Bluff Archeological Site [O]
Description: Visitors to Millstone Bluff can see the remains of a Mississippian village and cemetery located atop a bluff near the town of Robbs. The only visible remains of the village are bowl-shaped depressions where dozens of houses once stood. Nearby is a cemetery where remains of rectangular limestone grave sites can be seen. In addition, petroglyphs can also be found pecked into the rock at Millstone Bluff. However, they are very difficult to make out on the lichen and moss covered rocks.
Trails: A short one-half mile trail begins at the parking area and circles the area where the village once stood atop the bluff. Descriptive signs explain and help understand exactly what once stood here.
Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive east on Illinois 146 for less than a mile to Illinois 147. Turn left onto Illinois 147, and drive 11.6 miles to a road on the left leading to the parking area.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Glendale, IL
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