![]() ![]() Walk the bluffs overlooking the Ohio river or take a FREE (yes, in southern Illinois there are still free things to do!) car ferry across the river and visit a wonderful and friendly Amish community. This 55′ wide cave was once home to pirates, counterfeiters, brothels and numerous “Gangs” of the early 19th century. With a rich history dating back to the Revolutionary War, the cave at Cave In Rock is a must see for anyone visiting southern Illinois. ![]() Follow the trail around to the right and you will come right back to the parking lot. Take the stairs and follow the trail thru what is called “fat man squeeze”, down to the bottom of this cliff to the lower trail and Ox-Lot Cave. Here you will find a staircase going down. Both of these trails will lead you to a lookout platform. This is simply the best way to view this amazing trail. We recommend to our guests that they take the left or center trail when they get to Rim Rock (there is only one trailhead). Along the lower trail, you will find impressive sandstone rock formations, massive bottom-land hardwood trees and Ox-lot Cave, a massive rock overhang where 19th century settlers kept their oxen and horses. The lower trail has a dirt surface and leads along the base of the bluffs before looping back to the parking lot. The upper trail however is paved and less strenuous for hikers. View the remnants of a 1500-year-old stone wall built by Prehistoric Indians. This area is known for its spectacular show of spring woodland flowers along both its upper and lower trails. These custom medallions will mold to any hiking stick and will remind you of your visit to this amazing area for years to come. This trail is especially nice at sunset any time of the year.ĭon’t forget to get your hiking medallion at The Outpost. This is the ¼ mile trail with the famous Camel Rock that is the iconic image of the Shawnee National Forest. ![]() One mile in is Observation trail parking lot. Take a photo at the trailhead before you head out on this one. The 1 st is called Backpackers parking area with a wonderful 2-3/4 mile trail called Indian Point trail. There are 2 parking areas when you turn into Garden of the Gods. Camel rock, the most prominent rock formation at Garden of the Gods, now brings even more attention to this natural wonder right here in southern Illinois. As part of the America the Beautiful Quarter program from the US Mint. Garden of the Gods was featured on the back of the 2016 US Quarter. The rock formations are the results of millions of years of nature shaping the stone, creating these amazing rock formations you now see. Eventually the land began to rise and the sea retreated southward leaving the stone exposed to the elements for millions of years. Slowly the land in this region began to sink creating great pressure which turned the sand and mud into stone. As great rivers flowed by the shore, they deposited large amounts of sand and mud. Just 320 million years ago, portions of southern Illinois were covered by a shallow sea. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |