9 Trails In Illinois With An Undeniably Amazing Final Destination
If going hiking just for the sport of it seems boring to you, we’ve got nine trails in Illinois that will give you an additional reason to go. Rather than just to be active and look at endless trees, these paths take you to a final destination that will blow your mind.
Unexpected wonders await in the forests of Illinois, and you can discover them all with this handy guide. Keep reading for all the details:
Found in the Shawnee National Forest, along a .3-mile trail is a bridge formed naturally from rock and erosion. At eight feet wide, it is safe to walk on, and the surrounding terrain is easy to traverse. An additional small wonder is the tiny cave beneath the 90-foot bridge that is fun for the imagination of young and old alike.
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Located at Starved Rock State Park in Utica along the Illinois River, this 20-foot falls is made up of several plateaus. Best during spring when the most water is rushing through, this is one of the only waterfalls that can be seen year round. The hike is just 4.4 miles to get to this and many other beauties.
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A .8-mile hike through the Shawnee National Forest near Wolf Lake will get you to this incredible spot. Climb to the top of these rock formations and enjoy panoramic views of the Mississippi River valley. This lookout gets its name due to people using it as a meditation spot and claiming to gain clarity or get good ideas while sitting there.
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A quick walk through this park near Oregon, past streams and limestone bluffs, will bring you to the Black Hawk Statue. Also known as The Eternal Indian, it stands 48 feet high and looks out over the Rock River. Overall, the park contains 207 acres and is home to eagles, deer, and many other wildlife species.
Southern Illinois is full of amazing natural wonders and this park is no exception. The waterfall here doubles as a water slide due to the way the rocks lay as well as due to water smoothing them over many years. Rushing water falls down a hillside, and you just jump right in. Beware, though, that it can be very dangerous, but many do it anyway.
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One of the most interesting attractions in Illinois is along the Ohio River. This cave was once used by bandits and pirates but is today enjoyed by nature lovers from all around. The rock formation opens 55 feet at its widest, and visitors can hike in and around the cave for all the best views.
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You wouldn't expect Illinois to have so many, but waterfalls are a big part of what make our state great. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, a five-mile trail with easy terrain leads to this incredible falls. Visitors are blown away by the stunning rock formations which water travels through and which hikers may climb.
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A moderately difficult, 1.7-mile hike on this loop trail through the Shawnee National Forest leads around a huge rock formation and then descends to the valley floor. This is where visitors will squeeze through "Fat Man's Misery," a steep decline past an old Indian wall that is very narrow but fun to see amongst the trees and bushes.
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Tucked away in the Shawnee National Forest, there is a trail leading to what might be the most beautiful waterfall in Illinois. It is part of the Illinois Ozarks and is a year round waterfall that pools into a swimming hole. Near the Ohio River, visitors also enjoy rock formations, towering trees, caves, and other seasonal waterfalls.
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For more interesting places to hike, check out this abandoned railroad trail in Illinois.
What other Illinois trails lead to an amazing final destination? Share your finds and photos with us!
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