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Shawnee National Forest stretches across the southern tip of Illinois between the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, creating a landscape that looks surprisingly different from the farmland found across much of the state. Towering sandstone bluffs, narrow canyons, natural bridges, waterfalls, hardwood forests, rocky creeks, and sweeping overlooks fill the Shawnee Hills. Seven designated wilderness areas protect some of the region's wildest terrain, while nearby state parks add even more hiking opportunities. From short family walks to rugged backcountry routes, Southern Illinois offers an impressive variety of trails for hikers of every skill level.
Visitors can spend one day exploring the sandstone formations at Garden of the Gods, another descending into the canyons of Bell Smith Springs, and the next chasing waterfalls near Jackson Falls or Ferne Clyffe. Farther west, Little Grand Canyon provides steep canyon hiking and views toward the Mississippi River floodplain, while Giant City is filled with narrow passages between enormous sandstone walls. Spring brings flowing waterfalls and woodland wildflowers, while autumn covers the Shawnee Hills in brilliant color. For hikers looking for a Midwest destination where every trail can reveal a different landscape, Shawnee National Forest and the surrounding Southern Illinois hills deliver far more variety than many first-time visitors expect.
1. GARDEN OF THE GODS OBSERVATION TRAIL (GARDEN OF THE GODS)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Garden of the Gods is the signature hiking destination of Shawnee National Forest, and the Observation Trail provides the easiest way to experience its famous sandstone landscape. The short flagstone route winds among formations such as Camel Rock, Table Rock, and Devil's Smokestack before reaching bluff-top viewpoints over miles of forested Shawnee Hills. Weathering has sculpted the sandstone into unusual shapes that look dramatically different from nearly every other landscape in Illinois. The combination of easy access and enormous views makes this the must-do hike for first-time visitors.
2. INDIAN POINT TRAIL (GARDEN OF THE GODS WILDERNESS)
Difficulty: Moderate. Indian Point takes hikers beyond the heavily visited overlooks and deeper into the rugged landscape surrounding Garden of the Gods. The forested trail passes sandstone bluffs, rock shelters, wooded ridges, and impressive viewpoints overlooking the wilderness. Compared with the Observation Trail, the experience feels quieter and considerably more remote while remaining manageable for most regular hikers. It is an excellent choice for visitors who want to see a wilder side of Garden of the Gods without committing to an all-day backcountry hike.
3. RIM ROCK NATIONAL RECREATION TRAIL (RIM ROCK / POUNDS HOLLOW)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Rim Rock circles a dramatic sandstone escarpment overlooking the forested hills near Pounds Hollow. The upper route passes historic stonework and viewpoints, while the lower trail travels beneath towering bluffs and leads toward the enormous rock shelter known as Ox-Lot Cave. Spring wildflowers and mature hardwood forest add color beneath the cliffs throughout the hiking season. The combination of geology, history, and relatively manageable terrain makes Rim Rock one of the most complete short hikes in Shawnee National Forest.
4. NATURAL BRIDGE TRAIL (BELL SMITH SPRINGS)
Difficulty: Moderate. Bell Smith Springs is filled with clear creeks, sandstone cliffs, deep pools, and unusual rock formations, and the Natural Bridge Trail provides an excellent introduction to the area. Stone steps lead hikers toward the canyon floor before the route climbs through hardwood forest toward an impressive natural sandstone bridge. Creek crossings and uneven terrain add enough adventure to make the short hike feel substantial. It is one of the best places in the Shawnee to combine water, forest, and dramatic geology in a single outing.
5. SENTRY BLUFF TRAIL (BELL SMITH SPRINGS)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Sentry Bluff explores the more rugged side of Bell Smith Springs, following high sandstone terrain above the canyon and through secluded sections of forest. Hikers encounter rock formations, scenic overlooks, creek crossings, and stretches where the trail feels much farther from civilization than the mileage might suggest. Wet conditions can make stream crossings and rocky footing more challenging, adding an adventurous character to the hike. It is an excellent choice for experienced hikers who want to explore beyond the recreation area's easier routes.
6. MILL BRANCH TRAIL (BELL SMITH SPRINGS)
Difficulty: Moderate. Mill Branch Trail winds through one of the most scenic creek corridors in the Bell Smith Springs trail system. The route follows forest and sandstone terrain near Mill Branch Creek while passing unusual rock formations and remnants connected to the area's early settlement history. Creekside scenery and shaded forest make the trail especially appealing during warmer weather. It provides a quieter alternative to the Natural Bridge route while preserving everything that makes Bell Smith Springs such a distinctive Southern Illinois hiking area.
7. JACKSON FALLS TRAIL (JACKSON FALLS RECREATION AREA)
Difficulty: Moderate. Jackson Falls sits in the heart of Shawnee National Forest, surrounded by wooded hills and imposing sandstone bluffs. A short approach reaches the upper waterfall area, while longer trail options descend toward the base of the cliffs and reveal rock shelters, narrow passages, and the towering walls that have also made Jackson Falls a well-known climbing destination. Water flow is seasonal and can change dramatically after rainfall. Even when the falls are running lightly, the surrounding canyon and sandstone formations make this one of the forest's most memorable hiking areas.
8. LITTLE GRAND CANYON TRAIL (LITTLE GRAND CANYON)
Difficulty: Strenuous. Little Grand Canyon delivers one of the most adventurous hikes in Southern Illinois, descending from forested ridges into a deep sandstone canyon before climbing back to the rim. Portions of the route follow rocky creek beds and natural stone passages where water has carved channels through the canyon over time. Higher sections reveal views toward the Big Muddy River, Mississippi River floodplain, and distant bluffs. Slick rock and steep climbing make this considerably more challenging after rain, but the scenery makes it one of Shawnee's essential hikes.
9. POMONA NATURAL BRIDGE TRAIL (POMONA)
Difficulty: Moderate. This short forest loop leads to one of the western Shawnee's most impressive natural rock formations. The trail descends through mature oak, hickory, and beech forest before revealing a massive sandstone bridge stretching across the wooded ravine. Although the distance is short, slopes and potentially slippery footing give the hike more character than a simple nature walk. It is an ideal stop for families or travelers looking to combine several shorter Southern Illinois hikes into one day.
10. MILLSTONE BLUFF ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRAIL (MILLSTONE BLUFF)
Difficulty: Moderate. Millstone Bluff combines hiking with one of the most fascinating archaeological landscapes in Shawnee National Forest. The forested bluff rises hundreds of feet above the surrounding valley and contains evidence of both Late Woodland and Mississippian communities, including ancient village sites, stone walls, and rock imagery. Interpretive features help hikers understand how people lived on and used this unusual sandstone mesa centuries ago. Few trails in Southern Illinois blend scenic hiking, geology, and cultural history as effectively as Millstone Bluff.
11. PANTHER DEN TRAIL (PANTHER DEN WILDERNESS)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Panther Den Wilderness protects a maze of sandstone walls, narrow passages, wooded ravines, and enormous rock formations hidden within a relatively small wilderness area. Trails connect with portions of the River to River Trail and lead hikers into formations that resemble natural rooms and corridors carved into the forest. Navigation and rugged footing can make the area more challenging than developed recreation trails elsewhere in the Shawnee. For hikers looking for solitude and a genuine backcountry atmosphere, Panther Den provides one of Southern Illinois' most distinctive experiences.
12. BALD KNOB TRAIL (BALD KNOB WILDERNESS)
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous. Bald Knob Wilderness occupies some of the steepest and most rugged terrain on the western side of Shawnee National Forest. The trail travels across rocky slopes and heavily forested ridges, with views toward the Clear Creek Valley appearing more prominently when leaves are off the trees. Compared with the forest's developed recreation areas, this hike feels remote and requires greater attention to terrain and navigation. It is an excellent option for experienced hikers seeking a quieter and more demanding Shawnee adventure.
13. GIANT CITY NATURE TRAIL (GIANT CITY SP)
Difficulty: Moderate. Giant City Nature Trail winds through massive sandstone formations that create narrow corridors resembling the streets of a stone city. Moss, ferns, hardwood forest, and towering rock walls surround hikers as the trail twists through passages created by natural erosion. The route is relatively short but contains enough uneven terrain and rocky sections to keep it interesting. It is the signature hike at Giant City and one of the best places in Southern Illinois to experience sandstone geology at eye level.
14. DEVIL'S STANDTABLE TRAIL (GIANT CITY SP)
Difficulty: Easy. This short trail leads through forest toward one of Giant City's most recognizable rock formations, where a large sandstone cap appears balanced above a narrower base. Nearby shelter bluffs and rock walls give the compact route much more scenery than its short distance suggests. The mild terrain makes it a strong option for families or visitors looking for an easier hike after exploring the park's more demanding trails. It also pairs perfectly with the nearby Giant City Nature Trail for a half-day outing.
15. TRILLIUM TRAIL (GIANT CITY SP)
Difficulty: Moderate. Trillium Trail explores a protected natural area filled with sandstone bluffs, mature forest, seasonal waterfalls, and an impressive variety of woodland plants. Spring is particularly beautiful when wildflowers spread across the forest floor, while winter reveals rock walls and ice formations normally hidden by vegetation. Stairs, rocky footing, and steep terrain in portions of the trail add challenge to the otherwise peaceful forest walk. It is an excellent choice for hikers interested in both Southern Illinois geology and native plant life.
16. BIG ROCKY HOLLOW TRAIL (FERNE CLYFFE SP)
Difficulty: Easy. Big Rocky Hollow follows a broad canyon beneath enormous sandstone walls toward one of Southern Illinois' best-known seasonal waterfalls. Boulders, a winding stream, and increasingly tall rock formations surround the trail as hikers move deeper into the hollow. After periods of good rainfall, water pours from the high cliff at the end of the canyon and transforms the entire setting. The relatively gentle route makes this one of the best waterfall hikes in the region for families and casual hikers.
17. HAWK'S CAVE TRAIL (FERNE CLYFFE SP)
Difficulty: Easy. Hawk's Cave Trail leads through the forest to an enormous sandstone shelter bluff that stretches dramatically along the hillside. The huge overhang feels more like an open-air cavern than a traditional cave and gives hikers an impressive look at the erosional forces that shaped the Shawnee Hills. The short distance and manageable terrain make the trail accessible to most visitors. It is a perfect example of how even the easiest hikes around Shawnee can lead to genuinely impressive geological features.
18. ROUND BLUFF NATURE PRESERVE TRAIL (FERNE CLYFFE SP)
Difficulty: Moderate. Round Bluff Trail loops through a protected section of Ferne Clyffe known for rich woodland habitat, sandstone outcrops, and impressive displays of spring wildflowers. Long stair sections help hikers navigate the steeper terrain around the bluff, while portions of the route provide views toward Ferne Clyffe Lake. Spring brings trillium, Dutchman's breeches, and other woodland flowers, while autumn fills the surrounding hardwood forest with color. It is a particularly rewarding hike for visitors interested in the quieter natural beauty of the Shawnee Hills.
19. FERNE CLYFFE LAKE TRAIL (FERNE CLYFFE SP)
Difficulty: Easy. This gentle trail follows the shoreline of Ferne Clyffe Lake through a peaceful forested setting. The relatively level terrain provides an easy alternative to the park's bluff and canyon hikes while still offering water views, wildlife habitat, and changing seasonal scenery. Anglers frequently use portions of the shoreline, but hikers can enjoy the lake as a quiet break between more strenuous Southern Illinois adventures. It is an excellent choice for families, casual walkers, or anyone looking for an uncomplicated trail day.
20. RED CEDAR TRAIL (GIANT CITY SP)
Difficulty: Strenuous. Red Cedar Trail provides the long-distance challenge of the Shawnee destination, traveling deep into the forests and rugged terrain of Giant City State Park. The extended route crosses creeks, climbs wooded ridges, passes sandstone formations, and provides a much more remote experience than the park's short nature trails. A backcountry campsite along the route makes an overnight option possible for hikers who want to turn the outing into a backpacking adventure. For strong hikers looking to finish their Southern Illinois trip with substantial mileage, Red Cedar is a fitting final challenge.
Shawnee National Forest and the surrounding Southern Illinois hills combine sandstone canyons, waterfalls, natural bridges, hardwood forests, rocky streams, wilderness areas, and bluff-top views into one of the Midwest's most surprising hiking destinations. Visitors can spend several days exploring the region without repeating the same type of trail, with options ranging from easy waterfall walks to rugged canyon descents and long backcountry routes. From Garden of the Gods in the eastern Shawnee to Little Grand Canyon and Bald Knob in the west, this corner of Illinois rewards hikers with a landscape that feels far removed from the flat prairie scenery most travelers associate with the state.