In the southern part of the state between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers lies the vast 289,000 acres of the Shawnee National Forest, which is also called the Illinois Ozarks. It’s a place filled with unparalleled beauty that must be seen with your own eyes to be believed. With 300 miles of trails that lead to unique rock formations, bluffs, rivers, forests, hills, streams, and more, this is an area filled with endless possibilities for outdoor adventure. Also within the Illinois Ozarks are several natural features that evoke so much amazement, they can be considered natural wonders.

1. Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods, Herod, IL 62947, USA
Jeffrey K. Collins / EyeEm via Getty Images
By far the most popular area of the Shawnee National Forest, the 3,300-acre Garden of the Gods is filled with the most incredible sandstone rock formations unlike anything you've ever seen. Explore miles of trails of the Ozark Mountains in Illinois by foot or horseback. But whatever you do, you must hike to a vista point for some epic panoramic views and photo opportunities. Learn more about visiting Garden of the Gods.

If you want to make an evening (or two or three or four!) out of it, check out these Vrbo rentals in Herod, Illinois.
2. Cave-In-Rock
Cave-In-Rock, IL 62919, USA
David Wilson/Flickr
Along the banks of the Ohio River is Cave-in-Rock, an impressive 55-foot-wide cave that was formed by water erosion thousands of years ago. Over the years, bandits, pirates, and other criminal types made this cave their hideout. Today, you can hike inside the cave to get a feel for how big it truly is. Discover more about Cave-in-Rock, a truly unique rock formation in Illinois.
3. Jackson Falls
Jackson Falls, Illinois 62985, USA
Julie K/Trip Advisor
Not only is Jackson Falls a beautiful waterfall in the Illinois Ozarks, but the surrounding bluffs and rocks provide an excellent area for rock climbing, not to mention some extraordinary scenery. Take a moderately easy five-mile hike to get here - it will be worth it to see these falls! Get more details on Jackson Falls.

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4. One Horse Gap
One Horse Gap, Illinois 62947, USA
One Horse Gap Trail Ride/Facebook
One Horse Gap is a very narrow crevice between the bluffs within the Ozark Mountains in Illinois. Also known as "the gap trail," there is really only enough room for one horse at a time to pass through. The trail leading to the gap is 5.1 miles, mostly through forest. If you are interested in having a hiking adventure here, check out the write-up on All Trails for One Horse Gap.
5. Bell Smith Springs
Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area, Bell Smith Springs Rd, Ozark, IL 62972, USA
Asif A. Ali/Flickr
Eight miles of trails at Bell Smith Springs lead to a natural bridge, sandstone cliffs, and other unique rock formations in Illinois. There is also a shorter hike that leads to an awesome natural swimming hole. This is one part of the Illinois Ozarks that should not be missed! Get information on planning your adventure to Bell Smith Springs.
6. Old Stone Face
Samuel Patterson/Google Photos
Old Stone Face looks exactly like what its name implies - an old stone face. Not only is this rock formation in Illinois an amazing sight to see, but the rugged trail will give you an unbelievable view of the surrounding wilderness. Learn more about Old Stone Face.
7. Sand Cave
K/Google Photos
The Sand Cave is the largest sandstone cave in the country and an important piece of history as it was used as a rock shelter for the Underground Railroad. There is an easy 1.2-mile trail that leads to the cave that's nestled in the forest. Once you get there, feel free to go inside to cool off. Learn more about the Sand Cave, an awesome spot in the Ozark Mountains in Illinois.

The Illinois Ozarks are filled with so much beauty it can take your breath away. Have you explored much of Southern Illinois? What are your favorite rock formations in Illinois? Tell us in the comments!

Looking for some more hikes? Check out these easy hikes in Illinois!

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Illinois Outdoors

Rachel Raimondi | July 02, 2023

What are the best state parks in Illinois?

While they are gorgeous, it's not just the Illinois Ozarks that you need to explore. Check out the best state parks in Illinois:

  • Moraine Hills State Park: You’ll find this 2,200-acre state park in McHenry. Enjoy ample opportunities for bird-watching as well as fishing on Lake Defiance. You can also hike ten miles within the park, including Pike Marsh, which is chock full of interesting flora and fauna.
  • Matthiessen State Park: Located in Oglesby, this 1,938-acre park is full of lovely scenery, like prairies and forests and canyons and rock formations. Explore the park via five miles of trails or picnic, horseback ride, hunt, or fish.
  • Rock Cut State Park: Head to Caledonia for this 3,092-acre park. Enjoy fishing and kayaking in Pierce and Olson Lake, explore 40 miles of hiking trails, or pedal 23 miles on your mountain bike. You can also camp here.

 

What are the most beautiful lakes in Illinois?

If you want to take a swim, boat, fish, or just admire some pretty water, check out some of the most beautiful lakes in Illinois:

  • Lake of Egypt: You’ll find this 2,300-acre manmade lake in southern Illinois. It abuts the beautiful Shawnee National Forest and is a great spot for swimming and water and jet skiing. It’s also a popular fishing spot, full of channel catfish, largemouth bass, and more.
  • Devil’s Kitchen Lake: Located in Williamson County, this 810-acre lake is known for its rainbow trout and attracts fishermen from all over. And the scenery is pretty interesting too; despite it being on flat terrain, the surroundings are all sharp slopes and valleys. You can also take a boat out on the lake, although you cannot swim.

 

What are the best waterfalls in Illinois?

The beauty of the state isn't just rock formations in Illinois. Check out the best waterfalls in Illinois:

  • Thunder Bay Falls:  Located in Galena, you can view this waterfall from your car if you’d like. However, I do highly recommend getting a bit closer to feel the mist coming off of it and truly take it in. There are two viewing platforms.
  • Apple Canyon Lake Waterfall: This one is another great easy-access waterfall. It is located in Thompson Township. You don’t even have to get out of your car to view this one, too. If you want to extend this excursion to something else, you can also fish, hike, hunt, and more in Apple River Canyon State Park.

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Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 62985, USA