The Shawnee Forest is home to thousands of miles of hiking trails. Here are just a few of our favorites.
Cache River Big Cypress Tree Trail
Easy - With access via the Big Cypress area on the Lower Cache River This short accessible trail provides a beautiful view of the swamp-like floodplain, Visitors can see one of the bald cypress trees older than 1,000 years and whose base circumference is more than 40 feet. Short (250 Feet) Website
Cache River Lower Cache Trail
Moderate - Access via the Lower Cache River. Hike along Cypress Creek and the Cache River on a high earthen berm. A 1,000-foot accessible trail ends with a viewing platform overlooking the swamp. 2.5 Miles
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Cache River Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail
Easy - Start at the Heron Pond access area: This easy trail includes a truss bridge over the Cache River and features a floating boardwalk to the middle of Heron Pond’s cypress pond. There are 10 interpretive panels located along the trail. See some of the state record hardwood trees. 1.5 Miles Website
Ferne Clyffe Bork's Falls Trail
Moderate - This trail is a little out of the way, accessed with the back boundary road along the park. A high clearance vehicle is recommended. This year around waterfall into a bowl shaped pond is always beautiful. Website
Ferne Clyffe Hawk's Cave Trail
Moderate - From the same parking lot as the waterfall trail, cross the creek and take the left branch to explore along the base of towering carved out stone bluffs. Take your camera as the forest and majestic bluffs are sure to entertain. 1+ Mile
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Ferne Clyffe Lake Trail
Easy - This trail is beautiful year round but in the fall, with the changing colors, this trail is a MUST. With the leaves reflected in the lake the photo opportunities are amazing. 1+ Mile Website
Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail
Easy - When its hot outside this is a great hike as you hike in and back out through this naturally cooled tree covered gorge. After a good rain the waterfall flows briskly and at other times it slows to a trickle. The winter ice formations are spectacular though the trail in cold conditions can be icy and slick. 1 Mile out, 1 Mile back
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Garden of the Gods
Easy - A short, scenic loop known for its dramatic sandstone rock formations and sweeping panoramic views. Hikers follow a well-marked path past iconic formations like Camel Rock, with overlooks that showcase the surrounding forested hills. The easy terrain and striking landscapes make it one of the most popular and accessible hikes in southern Illinois. Less Than 1 Mile
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Giant City Devil's Standtable Trail
Moderate - Hike along the base of towering stone bluff formations. A beautiful hike millennia in the making. 1 Mile
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Giant City Nature Trail
Moderate - If you are new to Southern Illinois this hike is a MUST! Hike over, around and through the stone bluffs that give our area is rustic charm. Take your camera, you'll want pictures. 1+ Miles
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Giant City Post Oak Trail
Easy - This paved and accessible trail is a great, non-stressful way to enjoy the forest and its creatures. Great for a stroll in the shade after the all-you-can eat fried chicken at the state park lodge. 1 Mile Website
Giant City Stone Fort Trail
Moderate - Hike along a rising cliff and tread in the foot paths of the Native Americans that built the wall that gives this trail its name. 1+ Miles
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Hamburg Hill section of the Trail of Tears
Moderate - This is a preserved 1-mile segment of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. It features a gravel path where visitors can walk the same route taken by Cherokee detachments during their forced removal in the winter of 1838-1839. Interpretive signs add to the experience. This is a somber hike allowing for reflection of this dark period of our nations history. 1 Mile Out and 1 Mile Back
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Inspiration Point
Moderate - Not for those with fear of heights. This soaring cliff trail offers a spectacular view west over the Mississippi River Valley and well into Missouri. 1 Mile
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Millstone Bluff Trail
Moderate - A scenic loop hike that leads to a sandstone bluff rich with history and sweeping views. Along the way, hikers pass through hardwood forest and interpretive signs that highlight the remains of an ancient Native American village once located atop the bluff. Rewarding option for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural significance. 1+ Miles
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Snake Road
Easy - As the name implies, this section of dirt road along the base of the LaRue-Pine Hills is closed twice a year to allow snakes of various species to safely migrate between the stone bluffs to the east (where they winter) and the marshes of Otter Pond to the west where they spend spring and summer. Not for those suffering from Ophidiophobia. 3 Miles Website
