In the south part of the state between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers lies the vast 289,000 acres of the Shawnee National Forest, which is also called the Illinois Ozarks. It’s a place filled with unparalleled beauty that must be seen with your own eyes to be believed. With 300 miles of trails that lead to unique rock formations, bluffs, rivers, forests, hills, streams, and more, this is an area filled with endless possibilities for outdoor adventure. Also within the Illinois Ozarks are several natural features that evoke so much amazement, they can be considered natural wonders.
- Garden of the Gods
Arooj Aslam / EyeEm via Getty Images By far the most popular area of the Shawnee National Forest, the 3,300 acre Garden of the Gods is filled with the most incredible sandstone rock formations unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Explore miles of trails by foot or horseback and, whatever you do, you must hike to a vista point for some epic panoramic views and photo opportunities. For more on Garden of the Gods, head over here.
- Cave-In-Rock
David Wilson/Flickr Along the banks of the Ohio River is Cave-in-Rock, an impressive 55-foot wide cave that was formed by water erosion thousands of years ago. Over the years, bandits, pirates, and other criminal types made this cave their hideout. Today, you can hike inside the cave to get a feel for how big it truly is. For more information on Cave-in-Rock, visit here.
- Jackson Falls
victoria sullivan/AllTrails Not only is Jackson Falls a beautiful waterfall, but the surrounding bluffs and rocks provide an excellent area for rock climbing not to mention some extraordinary scenery. Take a moderately easy 5-mile hike to get here - it will be worth it to see these falls! Read more about Jackson Falls by heading over here.
- One Horse Gap
Randy Howard/AllTrails One Horse Gap is a very narrow crevice between the bluffs. Also known as “the gap trail,” there is really only enough room for one horse at a time to pass through. The trail leading to the gap is 5.1 miles, mostly through forest. If you are interested in having a hiking adventure here, visit AllTrails.
- Bell Smith Springs
Asif A. Ali/Flickr Eight miles of trails at Bell Smith Springs lead to a natural bridge and other unique rock formations and sandstone cliffs. There is also a shorter hike that leads to an awesome natural swimming hole. This is one part of the Illinois Ozarks that should not be missed! Plan your adventure to Bell Smith Springs by going here.
- Old Stone Face
kevin joest/AllTrails Old Stone Face looks exactly what its name implies - an old stone face. Not only is this rock formation an amazing sight to see, but the rugged trail will give you an unbelievable view of the surrounding wilderness. Head to AllTrails to view the hiking trail that leads here.
- Sand Cave
Antonio Hernandez/AllTrails The Sand Cave is the largest sandstone cave in the country and is an important piece of history as it was used as a rock shelter for the Underground Railroad. There is an easy 1.2-mile trail that leads to the cave that’s nestled in the forest. Once you get there, feel free to go inside to cool off. To learn more about the Sand Cave, head over to here.
The Illinois Ozarks is filled with so much beauty it can take your breath away. Have you explored much of Southern Illinois? What other natural wonders would you add to this list?
Arooj Aslam / EyeEm via Getty Images
By far the most popular area of the Shawnee National Forest, the 3,300 acre Garden of the Gods is filled with the most incredible sandstone rock formations unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Explore miles of trails by foot or horseback and, whatever you do, you must hike to a vista point for some epic panoramic views and photo opportunities. For more on Garden of the Gods, head over here.
David Wilson/Flickr
Along the banks of the Ohio River is Cave-in-Rock, an impressive 55-foot wide cave that was formed by water erosion thousands of years ago. Over the years, bandits, pirates, and other criminal types made this cave their hideout. Today, you can hike inside the cave to get a feel for how big it truly is. For more information on Cave-in-Rock, visit here.
victoria sullivan/AllTrails
Not only is Jackson Falls a beautiful waterfall, but the surrounding bluffs and rocks provide an excellent area for rock climbing not to mention some extraordinary scenery. Take a moderately easy 5-mile hike to get here - it will be worth it to see these falls! Read more about Jackson Falls by heading over here.
Randy Howard/AllTrails
One Horse Gap is a very narrow crevice between the bluffs. Also known as “the gap trail,” there is really only enough room for one horse at a time to pass through. The trail leading to the gap is 5.1 miles, mostly through forest. If you are interested in having a hiking adventure here, visit AllTrails.
Asif A. Ali/Flickr
Eight miles of trails at Bell Smith Springs lead to a natural bridge and other unique rock formations and sandstone cliffs. There is also a shorter hike that leads to an awesome natural swimming hole. This is one part of the Illinois Ozarks that should not be missed! Plan your adventure to Bell Smith Springs by going here.
kevin joest/AllTrails
Old Stone Face looks exactly what its name implies - an old stone face. Not only is this rock formation an amazing sight to see, but the rugged trail will give you an unbelievable view of the surrounding wilderness. Head to AllTrails to view the hiking trail that leads here.
Antonio Hernandez/AllTrails
The Sand Cave is the largest sandstone cave in the country and is an important piece of history as it was used as a rock shelter for the Underground Railroad. There is an easy 1.2-mile trail that leads to the cave that’s nestled in the forest. Once you get there, feel free to go inside to cool off. To learn more about the Sand Cave, head over to here.
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Address: Shawnee National Forest, Illinois 62985, USA
