The Prairie State isn’t just flat land and cornfields like many people from other states believe. And while the state doesn’t have mountains, there are certain areas with unique rock formations in Illinois that will remind you of being in the mountains. If views and otherworldly rocks are what you’re after, a hike along the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail may be exactly what you need.
Filled with some of the most extraordinary beauty in the state, Garden of the Gods is 3,318 acres. It is located within Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.
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A hike along the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail will lead you through some of the most otherworldly rock formations you can find in the country.
Josie & Sarah Allison-Love/AllTrails
The trail is a quarter-mile loop that also meanders along the bluffs. There are interpretive signs along the way.
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You’ll get to see the Devil’s Smokestack, a stand-alone, pillar-shaped rock formation that’s reminiscent of a smokestack.
jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
There are numerous sandstone rock formations that will inspire awe and invoke a sense of wonder in anyone who visits this park.
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The bluffs tower approximately 100 feet above in the Garden of the Gods. They are as impressive as they are otherworldly.
Jason Fransos/AllTrails
While the rock formations are incredibly fascinating to see, you’ll also be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape along the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail! How incredible is this view?
jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
Have you hiked along the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail to see some of the most unique rock formations in Illinois? Let us know in the comments! For more information, visit the Shawnee National Forest website.
Britton Holley/AllTrails
Josie & Sarah Allison-Love/AllTrails
vince wasiloski/AllTrails
jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
Jason Fransos/AllTrails
Along with the Garden of the Gods hike, you should also add these scenic and easy hikes in Illinois to your bucket list.
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Address: Garden of the Gods, Herod, IL 62947, USA
