A short hiking trail provides some of the best views in all of Illinois amid the Garden of the Gods Wilderness in the Shawnee National Forest. The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is only a 0.5-mile loop that can be covered in barely more than 10 minutes, but you’ll want to allow considerably more time to take in the views that repeatedly emerge along the way. The Observation Trail will take you to some of most scenic overlooks in the state. The panoramic outlook is seemingly endless from various perches, but be careful climbing up and down the bluffs that provide some amazing vantage points. Four longer trails also are available.
The Observation Trail is mostly paved with flagstones, although the gaps between the stones make the surface somewhat uneven.
EJ_Rodriquez/iStock via Getty Images
The sandstone rocks wonderfully frame the Observation Trail.
Christina Rutz/flickr
The many outcroppings that gives the Observation Trail its name provide great photo perches, but they can be slick so exercise caution.
wanderluster/E+ via Getty Images
Camel Rock is a particularly striking feature of the Observation Trail, and an oft-photographed landmark!
EJ _Rodriquez/iStock via Getty Images
Autumn is a great time to visit the Garden of the Gods, with the contrast of the rocks and changing colors of the trees. However, this short-and-sweet trail in Illinois is beautiful year-round!
Daniel Ripplinger/DansPhotoArt/500px Prime via Getty Images
If you can make it for sunset, you’ll be dazzled by the sublime spectacle that happens before your eyes. You need to allow only a few minutes to complete the loop to the parking lot in the twilight.
freelance_ghostwriting/iStock via Getty Images
The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail starts 19 miles from the town of Harrisburg. Take Highway 145 south for 5 miles, then Highway 34 south for 10 miles. Turn east on Karbers Ridge Road and go 2.5 miles to Forest Road, then 1.5 miles north to the recreation area entrance road.
EJ_Rodriquez/iStock via Getty Images
Christina Rutz/flickr
wanderluster/E+ via Getty Images
EJ _Rodriquez/iStock via Getty Images
Daniel Ripplinger/DansPhotoArt/500px Prime via Getty Images
freelance_ghostwriting/iStock via Getty Images
Looking for more scenic treks in teIllinois has some other great trails with spectacular views.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Garden of the Gods Road, Garden of the Gods Rd, Illinois, USA
