As far as natural wonders go, Illinois is vastly underrated. But we have our fair share of cool sights to enjoy! However, there are definitely landscapes that even locals wouldn't expect to encounter here. For instance, few would expect to find a slot canyon in the heart of Illinois, where the corn grows tall and the wind, generally speaking, whips unimpeded across the state. Pretty crazy, right? Well, canyons in Illinois are few and far between, but there happens to be a narrow gorge in the Land of Lincoln that's a dead ringer for Arizona's Antelope Canyon.

To find it, you need to head to the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.

There, within the Pounds Hollow Ecological Area, you'll find the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail.

The name "Pounds Hollow" refers to the area's narrow rock formations. It's derived from an old English term meaning "enclosure," as in "dog pound."

As its name implies, the Rim Rock Trail traces the edge of a rock escarpment, through upland forests.

You'll find a few stairs, too.

On the upper trail, hikers are treated to bluff-side views...

...and sweeping vistas across the valley.

You'll also find lots of neat little alcoves to explore and admire.

Then, about halfway around the 0.8-mile upper trail loop, you'll come across a steep set of wooden stairs that appear to descend into a hole in the rocky ground.

Follow them down, and you'll find yourself in a narrow slot canyon, the water-carved walls of which are barely the width of your shoulders.

You'll be wowed by the ancient sandstone formations.

Explore hollows and slots that fork off from the main trail.

Look up through the narrow canyon to see the forest above you.

As you reach the end of the slot canyon, you'll encounter a large hollowed-out space in the side of the escarpment: Ox-Lot Cave.

From there, you can return back through the canyon, or you can follow the lower trail through the valley, along the base of the escarpment, back to the trailhead.

The round trip total for this moderate hike is only about 1.5 miles, but it's not for those who are claustrophobic. The upper portion of Rim Rock National Recreation Trail is accessible, but the lower trail through the slot canyon is not.

If you choose to visit the area, this unique canyon in Illinois is a fantastic place to explore! Have you been yet or hiked the Rim Rock Trail?

While in the area, don't forget to pay a visit to the beautifully rugged Ferne Clyffe State Park, which is adjacent to Shawnee National Forest. Or, for another geological wonder in Illinois, check out the actual Little Grand Canyon of Illinois!

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/little-grand-canyon-trail-il/