We spent almost two months in Southern Illinois and the focus of our trip was hiking and exploring the region’s outdoor offerings. The landscape of this part of the state is so different from where we grew up in the north that it felt like we were in a different state entirely. We’ve put together a list of the 15 best hikes in Southern Illinois, but this is only a small fraction of what the area has to offer. These hikes are a mix of terrains and distances. Some of these hikes are short- but the sights they bring you to are well worth it!
Southern Illinois Hiking Basics
What kind of weather can I expect in southern Illinois?
In spring, you can xpect mild temperatures, ranging from 50-70°F, with the possibility of rain and muddy trails. Spring is a great time to see blooming wildflowers, but be prepared for slick conditions.
In summer, it’ll likely be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching 85-95°F. Trails can be buggy, and heat exhaustion is a risk, especially on exposed sections. Start early in the day to avoid peak heat.
In fall, it should be cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F. Fall foliage is stunning, making this one of the best times to hike.
In winter, Temperatures can vary widely, from mild 40s to freezing conditions with occasional snow and ice. Some trails can be slippery, so traction devices might be necessary.
What kind of trail hazards should I be aware of in southern Illinois?
Many trails feature rugged terrain, rocky paths, and steep inclines. Expect uneven surfaces, loose rocks, and occasionally slippery spots, especially after rain. Water crossings are common on some trails, so waterproof footwear is recommended. Poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes are common in warmer months, so plan accordingly. Though populations are declining, southern Illinois is home to a few species of venomous snakes– be sure to keep your eyes on the trail. Many of these hikes have poor cell reception, so be sure to either bring paper maps or download offline maps.
What do I need to bring hiking in southern Illinois?
- Hydration Pack – Keeps you hydrated without the need to stop and reach for a bottle. Look for one with ample storage for snacks and essentials. We use Camelback bladders in our daypacks.
- Hiking Boots – Waterproof, ankle-supporting boots to tackle Southern Illinois’ rugged terrain. I had no traction problems with my trusty Columbia boots.
- Bug Spray – Essential for keeping ticks and mosquitoes at bay, especially in dense woods and along creeks. Josh swears by a picaridin spray.
- Tick Key – A small, portable tool for safely removing ticks found on hikes.
- Trekking Poles – Useful for navigating steep or slippery sections of the trail, providing balance and reducing impact on knees. We got by fine without poles or a hiking staff, but there were definitely a few times it would have been nice.
- Lightweight Rain Jacket – A must for spring and fall when showers are common, packable enough to store easily in your backpack. I just got this new Eddie Bauer packable jacket and so far it’s been working great.
- Portable First Aid Kit – Compact kits with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and basic medical supplies for on-the-go care. I have a basic mini kit in my daypack at all times.
- Trail Snacks – High-energy snacks like protein bars, trail mix, or jerky to keep your energy up during long hikes. This is where Josh and I disagree, but I love Larabars for hikes.
- Sun Protection Hat – A wide-brim hat for sun protection, especially in exposed areas like bluffs and open ridgelines.
- Navigation Tools (Compass & Map) – For those who want a backup to their digital maps; a simple compass and waterproof map set are great for exploring less-marked trails.
- Traction Cleats – Ideal for winter hikes when ice or snow can make trails slippery, easy to attach to most hiking boots.
Bork’s Falls Trail
Bork’s Falls is a hidden treasure in the annex of Ferne Clyffe State Park. The trail leading to the falls is an easy hike, but it was the best waterfall we saw in the park. The falls are tucked away in a secluded cove, cascading into a serene pool. This is the perfect out-of-the-way hike to get away from it all. Getting to the trailhead is pretty fun too, since you’ll literally drive over the top of the waterfall.
Location: Ferne Clyffe State Park, Goreville, IL 62939
Managed by: IDNR
Length: 0.5 miles
For more hiking at Ferne Clyffe State Park, check out our complete trail guide!
We also love the campground at Ferne Clyffe and have a campground guide too!
Fult’s Hill Prairie
The trail at Fults Hill Nature Preserve offers a rugged and rewarding hike through one of the most scenic bluff regions in Illinois. Known for its steep climbs and panoramic views, the trail winds through a mix of prairie, forest, and limestone bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River valley. Fults Hill is a great spot for both spring ephemeral viewing and catching fall colors.
Location: Prairie du Rocher, IL 62277
Manage by: IDNR
Length: 1.5 miles
If you plan a trip to Fults Hill, make sure to also check out our blog post with more things to do in Prairie du Rocher. We also recommend a visit to the nearby Fort de Chartres!
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail offers one of the most scenic experiences in Southern Illinois. This short, but spectacular trail winds through the rock formations that have been sculpted by millions of years of wind and water erosion. As you walk along the trail, you’ll encounter massive sandstone outcroppings, some of which tower over 100 feet above the surrounding forest. The unique rock formations, such as the famous Camel Rock, seem almost otherworldly, making this trail a must-visit for anyone exploring the area. The trail is easy to navigate, but the beauty and grandeur of the landscape make it an unforgettable experience.
Location: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Herod, IL 62947
Manage by: USFS
Length: 0.25 miles
Ghost Dance Canyon Trail
Ghost Dance Canyon Trail at Dixon Springs State Park is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a secret world. The park itself has a rich history, once serving as a popular health resort in the 19th century due to its mineral springs, which were believed to have healing properties. Today, there’s still traces of that history left to explore. The trailhead for Ghost Dance Canyon is tucked behind the park’s pool, and when we hiked it, we felt an eerie sense of seclusion, almost like we weren’t meant to be there. The trail is narrow, unmaintained, and overgrown in parts, making the hike feel more like an adventure. It’s a short but interesting hike into the canyon.
Location: Dixon Springs State Park, Golconda, IL 62938
Manage by: IDNR
Length: 1 mile
Giant City Nature Trail
The Giant City Nature Trail is one of the most iconic and popular hikes in the park, and it’s easy to see why. There are a few different theories about how these impressive sandstone canyons were formed, but no matter the origin, they are truly a sight to behold. As we hiked the trail, we were amazed by the massive sandstone formations that looked as though they had been sliced in half by some giant force. It’s hard to imagine that these towering walls were shaped entirely by natural processes. Walking through the narrow canyons, surrounded by the towering rocks, was a surreal and unforgettable experience. If you’re visiting the park, this trail is a must-see.
Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL 62958
Manage by: IDNR
Length: 1 mile
If you’re visiting Giant City, check out our full park guide for even more info on activities and trails, as well as camping and cabin options. And don’t forget to visit the lodge for the famous all you can eat fried chicken!
Little Grand Canyon
The Little Grand Canyon Trail in Shawnee National Forest was our favorite hike in Southern Illinois, and it’s easy to see why. This 3.6-mile loop trail is incredibly fun. As you descend into the canyon, you’ll navigate through narrow passages and climb over cascading waterfalls. The trail can be challenging with steep climbs and slippery sections, but the scenery is well worth the effort, making it an adventure that stands out among all the hikes we did in the region.
Location: Pomona, IL 62975
Manage by: USFS
Length: 3 miles
Indian Point Trail
The Indian Point Trail at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area offers a quieter, more secluded hiking experience compared to the popular Observation Trail. This 1.6-mile loop winds through the woods and along sandstone bluffs, providing views of the Shawnee National Forest below. The trail’s highlight is a rocky outcrop, where you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness.
Location: Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Golconda, IL 62938
Manage by: USFS
Length: 1.7 miles
Panther Den Loop
The Panther Den Loop Trail in the Panther Den Wilderness Area offers an adventure into one of the most secluded and rugged parts of Southern Illinois. This trail takes you through a dense forest before leading you to the main attraction—an intricate maze of giant sandstone boulders and narrow passageways. The rock formations here are truly unique, with some sections forming natural caves and crevices that are perfect for exploring. The trail is less traveled, adding to the sense of solitude and discovery as you navigate through the wilderness. You can either hike ~3 miles out and back if you just want to see the rock formations, or complete the full loop for ~6 miles.
Location: Panther Den Wilderness Area, Makanda, IL 62958
Manage by: USFS
Length: 3-6 miles
Pomona Natural Bridge Trail
The Pomona Natural Bridge Trail is a short, easy hike in Shawnee National Forest that leads to an amazing natural rock bridge formed over thousands of years. The trail ends with views of the impressive 90-foot long sandstone bridge that spans a ravine. It’s worth visiting for its unique geological feature, the peaceful wooded setting, and the opportunity to experience a natural wonder with minimal effort.
Location: Pomona, IL 62975
Manage by: USFS
Length: 0.3 miles
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
When visiting Rim Rock, it’s important to note that the Upper and Lower sections no longer connect directly due to the removal of a staircase that once linked them, so to see all of the trail you’ll need to do it in two sections. The Upper Loop takes you over the rim of large sandstone bluffs and the Lower Trail takes you deeper into the woods and past formations like Ox-Lot Cave. If you have more time, hike the extra 0.6 miles to Pounds Hollow Lake.
Location: Finlday, IL 62534
Manage by: USFS
Length: 1.5 miles
Rocky Bluff Trail
Rocky Bluff Trail at Crab Orchard is known for its diverse spring wildflowers.We explored this trail on a botany hike with the Illinois Native Plant Society, and even once peak bloom had passed, we found lots of interesting plant species. Besides the flowers, the trail is also known for having several intermittent waterfalls- best seen soon after heavy rainfall. Crab Orchard is a fee-use area, so if you don’t have an interagency pass like the American the Beautiful Pass or Fish and Wildlife pass already, you’ll need to pay first at the visitor center.
Location: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Makanda, IL 62958
Manage by: USFWS
Length: 2.2 miles
Sentry Bluff Trail
Sentry Bluff Trail at Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area is a must-visit destination that lives up to its reputation as a National Natural Landmark. Throughout our travels, countless people recommended this trail, and it’s easy to see why. The trail takes you along the edge of towering bluffs, offering stunning views of the canyon below, with unique rock formations and lush surroundings. But don’t stop there—Bell Smith Springs has several other trails worth exploring, including routes that lead to Devil’s Backbone, a narrow, elevated rock formation, and a natural rock bridge. Each trail provides a different perspective on the area’s rugged beauty, making it well worth your time to explore them all.
Location: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area, Ozark, IL 62972
Manage by: USFS
Length: 2.7 miles
Snake Road
Snake Road, officially known as LaRue-Pine Hills Road, is a unique stretch in the Shawnee National Forest that’s known for its seasonal road closings to protect migrating reptiles and amphibians. Twice a year, the U.S. Forest Service closes the road—typically in the spring and fall—to allow safe passage for species like snakes, frogs, and salamanders as they move between their wintering habitats in the limestone bluffs and the wetlands of the LaRue Swamp. During these closures, the road transforms into a hiking trail where visitors can walk the 2.5-mile route and observe this fascinating migration. It’s important to note that special restrictions apply: collecting or disturbing the wildlife, particularly the migrating species, is strictly prohibited. Besides Snake Road, the area offers other fantastic hiking opportunities, such as Inspiration Point, which boasts panoramic views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs.
Location: LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area, Wolf Lake, IL 62998
Manage by: USFS
Length: 2.5 miles
Trillium Trail
Trillium Trail is a must-do hike in the springtime. This loop trails winds through the woods and during peak bloom is carpeted with wildflowers. You’ll see trillium (duh), dutchman’s breeches, squirrel corn, violets, bluebells, and so much more! The best time to visit is usually Late April – early May, but the spring ephemeral season has been starting earlier and earlier with climate change.
Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL 62958
Manage by: IDNR
Length: 2 miles
If you missed it earlier, don’t forget to check out our full Giant City State Park Guide here: Exploring the Wonders of Giant City State Park: Guide and Review
Tunnel Hill State Trail
The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 45-mile rail-trail perfect for biking and hiking, stretching through the heart of Southern Illinois. We explored sections of the trail from two different trailheads: starting in the town of Tunnel Hill, where we hiked to see the historic 543-foot railroad tunnel, and from the Vienna trailhead.. In Vienna City Park, you’ll find unique sights like an old railroad caboose and “The Big Bike.” This trail’s blend of history, nature, and small-town atmosphere makes it a memorable outdoor experience. There are plenty of places to hop on the trail if you’re not up for the whole thing, and if you spend any time in Southern Illinois you definitely need to do at least a segment or two.
Location: Runs from Harrisburg, IL to Karnak, IL
Manage by: IDNR
Vienna Trailhead
Tunnel Hill Trailhead
Length: 45 miles
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