Illinois has some of the best state parks and hiking trails in the Midwest, particularly in scenic Southern Illinois. Being from the flatlands of Northern Illinois, myself, I relish any opportunity to get some elevation — not to mention the views that come with it. And while the risk of seeking out the very best of nature in Illinois is typically worth the reward, it's important to remember that these are often somewhat perilous trails that require vast amounts of care and attention. In fact, some of the most dangerous trails in Southern IL have also been known to offer some of the best scenes of the landscape.
The Shawnee National Forest is perhaps the best place in all of Illinois for sweeping views of the rolling landscape, plus miles and miles of hiking, bluffs, woodlands, and waterfalls surrounded by breathtaking wildlife. It's a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all kinds, and offers some of the most serene camping in the state.
One of its most popular hiking spots is Inspiration Point Trail, a short 0.7-mile route that takes you to Inspiration Point Cliff, a birding hotspot with panoramic views of the Big Muddy bottomlands and the Mississippi River.
The trail begins at the McCann Springs Picnic Area and goes up an elevation of about 164 feet during the trek to the overlook. However, the trail is considered moderately difficult, with poisonous snakes, poison ivy, and a potentially slick trail along the way.
The views from the top are incredible, but its safety can be deceiving. With an unforgiving 300-foot drop below, it has also claimed several lives. At least two people have recently died at the site — one from falling over 200 feet off a wrong cliff near the trail, and another from falling approximately 360 feet off of Inspiration Point.
Unfortunately, it's not the only place in Shawnee National Forest where visitors have lost their lives. In the serene Garden of the Gods area, which showcases mind-blowing ancient rock formations, attempts to gain better views and explore the area have also resulted in death.
Recently, a 10-year-old girl fell 100 feet off of a 30-foot-tall pillar formation known as the "Devil's Smokestack." The Garden of the Gods area of the park is considered to be among the most popular hiking spots.
While these are likely among the most dangerous trails in Southern IL due to their height, proximity to rocks, and distance to medical help, they also see thousands of visitors each year who have safe experiences. Nature lovers highly recommend Shawnee National Forest for its amazing views, camping, wildlife, and hiking — but extra caution must also be taken while exploring the park. From a compass to shoes with good tread to ample first aid supplies, our ultimate list of hiking essentials has you covered. Learn more about the Shawnee National Forest by visiting the U.S. Forest Service website and Facebook page.
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