The Prairie State is full of beautiful scenery and nature that’s beyond compare. And if you’re someone who enjoys heading into the woods to connect with nature and the trees, consider a trip to Beall Woods State Park & Nature Preserve. Home to a remarkable old-growth forest in Illinois, here you can take a contemplative stroll among the towering trees.

Located in Southern Illinois in the small city of Mount Carmel, Beall Woods State Park & Nature Preserve is bordered by the Wabash River and offers 635 acres to explore. Hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, and picnicking are popular activities here.
David Switzer/Google
Among the acreage, 329 acres are old-growth forest which is some of the only remaining virgin forest east of the Mississippi River. It's not uncommon to encounter 120-foot trees that are three feet in diameter towering above.
Damien Panek/Google
Visitors come from all around the world actually come here in order to view the old-growth forest. It's quite a special place!
Daniel Shinkle/Google

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Throughout Beall Woods are five official trails that lead through the old-growth forest.
Bo Myers/Google
One of the least trafficked trails is the White Oak Trail. This 1.4-mile loop trail leads through old-growth bottomland oak and hickory trees and eventually to the Wabash River.
Richard Lenyo/AllTrails
There's something quite magical about walking through a forest of giant trees.
Richard Lenyo/AllTrails
The ancient trees here at Beall Woods State Park are nothing short of enchanting and provide a perfect backdrop for taking a contemplative stroll through the woods.
Gina Johnson/AllTrails

 

Have you visited this old-growth forest in Illinois? Where are your favorite forest hikes in Illinois located? Tell us in the comments! To learn more about Beall Woods State Park & Nature preserve, visit the website and head to AllTrails for traiI information.

Located in the Cache River watershed, you can find 800-year old bald cypress trees at Cyprus Creek National Wildlife Refuge.

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Beall Woods Fire Lane, Beall Woods Fire Ln, Coffee Precinct, IL 62863, USA