Posted in Illinois Hiking, Nature April 01, 2022 by

The Shawnee National Forest Is Home To The Most Dangerous Hikes In Illinois

The most dangerous trails in the Midwest can be found in Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. A popular recreational area is there that is known for its rock boulders and slippery paths. It’s also home to one of the most dangerous hikes in Illinois. Keep reading to learn how to keep yourself safe whenever visiting this place.

The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is one of the most popular hikes within the Shawnee National Forest. It is open throughout the year and attracts thousands of visitors.
Flickr/christina rutz
Though popular, the path here is one of the most dangerous trails in the state. It contains steep grades, as well as steps that help hikers maneuver the massive rock formations.
Flickr/christina rutz
Incredible views abound from all areas of this incredible park. You'll get to see the southern portion of the Land of Lincoln in all of its glory.
Flickr/Curtis Abert
The danger lies in the conditions. Be sure to wear proper shoes for this hike and bring enough water to last your entire trip.
Wikimedia Commons/Djngsf
Additional things to watch out for are snake migrations and other wild animals. Slippery rocks can also pose a hazard. Because it's also easy to become lost while hiking this trail, no one will judge you for bringing your phone along.
Wikimedia Commons/Fritz Geller-Grimm
It is also recommended to give yourself extra daylight hours to ensure that you don't get stuck in the woods in the dark without any clue of where you are. You may even have to rely on some unique survival skills or hope your phone gets a signal.
Wikimedia Commons/Fritz Geller-Grimm
The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail and other trails within the Shawnee National Forest are definitely not too dangerous to hike, but it is worth noting these safety precautions.
Wikimedia Commons/Fritz Geller-Grimm

Have you ever encountered any other dangerous trails in Illinois? If so, please share them with us in the comments below.

For some amazing hikes, check out 15 marvelous hiking trails in Illinois that offer exquisite views.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Garden of the Gods, Herod, IL 62947, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

most dangerous hikes in illinois

April 06, 2022
Jennifer Young

What are three of the most dangerous places to avoid in Illinois?

There are quite a few places in Illinois you'll want to avoid, especially after dark. We've listed three of these places below, which happen to be popular cities.

1. Bloomington

Bloomington is home to Illinois State University and is located 134 miles southwest of Chicago. In 2017, crime declined in Bloomington. However, in 2019, the city's crime rate went up due to several reported assaults.

2. Rockford

With a population of 147,441 residents, Rockford is the fourth largest city in Illinois. In 2019, all major violent and non-violent crimes exceeded Illinois' state averages, which is why this large city is considered one of the state's most dangerous places.

3. Springfield

Springfield is Illinois' state capital. In 2019, most major crimes exceeded the state's average. These included assaults, burglaries, and auto theft. If you do decide to visit Springfield in the near future, especially after dark, remember to always use caution.

What's one of the most dangerous trails in Illinois that's also one of the longest?

There are many hiking trails in Illinois that are considered unsafe, especially for beginners. One of these trails in particular is the Godwin Trail. The Godwin Trail is a 12.4-mile loop trail that'll take you through sand, water, and forest. It's located within the Shawnee National Forest and crosses both the Bald Knob and Clear Springs Wilderness. Because of its length and rough terrain, the Godwin Trail is definitely not suited for beginners. So, if you're not an experienced hiker, it's best to avoid this trail. If you do have lots of hiking experience and choose to hike the Godwin Trail, remember to use caution. Even the most experienced of hikers need to be extra careful whenever hiking this dangerous trail.