by Theresa Leschmann

Created on: May 14, 2009   Last Updated: May 15, 2009

Illinois contains many beautiful parks and forest preserves inviting hikers to experience the wide diversity the state has to offer. The best of these are located in southern Illinois, with trails for every level of experience. Home to the Shawnee National Forest, the area has boundless possibilities for hiking. Whether you are experienced or just beginning, there is a trail for you.

Fort Massac State Park - Metropolis, IL

Home to Superman, Metropolis also claims Illinois' first state park, Fort Massac. Nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, the fort has passed through the hands of four distinct cultures and now serves as a site for living history weekends and year round activities. The park encompasses 24 acres and offers two trails. The first is a 1-mile loop which stops at the fort. Designated as a Tree Identification Trail, brochures are available in the visitors center for this trail. The second trail, The Hickory Nut Trail, follows 2.5 miles of scenic river views.

Garden-of-the Gods - Hardin County, IL

Garden of the Gods is engulfed by the Shawnee National Forest and covers 3300 acres. It also offers two trails systems. The easier Observation Trail, which only runs about .25 miles, will enchant visitors with breathtaking vistas and unusual rock formations. This short-distance hike requires at least an hour to fully appreciate all it has to offer. The other trail which runs through Garden of the Gods is actually part of a much larger trail system known as the River-to-River Trail. This trail covers over 160 miles and stretches from Cave-In-Rock, Il on the east to Grand Tower on the Mississippi River. The trail ranges from moderate to difficult.

Pounds Hollow and Rim Rock State Parks - Hardin County, IL

These are two separate parks joined by trails. Rim Rock offer spectacular views from the cliff tops. Three trails offer options to hikers. Utilizing flagstone paving and wooden steps, the cliff top trails offer mazes, tight-squeezes and scenic overlooks. The trail around Pounds Hollow Lake is more rugged and not as well marked. The lake has a recreation area, a perfect place to finish up after a day of hiking.

Pomona Natural Bridge - Pomona, IL

A short trail, only 1/3 of a mile, can be so much more than its distance alone. After hiking the natural path through a mature forest, the sandstone bridge is revealed. Spanning 90 feet above a gently tricking stream 25 feet below, the bridge is only 6 to 8 feet wide. The trail is a loop and takes only 45 minutes to an hour to complete but is well worth the time to view this naturally made wonder.

Ferne Clyffe State Park - Goreville, IL

Ferne Clyffe State Park encompasses more than 2400 acres in the Shawnee Hills and has historical ties to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Trail of Tears. Named for the abundance of ferns that grow there, the park also boasts a 150-foot-long shelter bluff and a more than 100-foot intermittent waterfall. Eighteen trails traverse the park with varying degrees of difficulty. Some are easy and short at .25 miles while other are more challenging and stretch for eight miles within the park boundaries. The River-to-River Trail mentioned above also passes through part of Ferne Clyffe State Park.

One needn't travel far to find hiking pleasure in southern Illinois. Opportunities abound and a trail to hike today is closer than you think.

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