Garden of the Gods

Watch the video:
Very interesting place. Make sure to visit Rim Rocks as well.

Garden of The Gods is in Shawnee National Park in southern Illinois. Amazing looking at this and realizing what a minuscule part of evolution humans have had since the beginning of time. This area was submerged under water 320,000,000 years ago long before the evolution of humans. My wife, her brother & I drove down from Chicago to see this incredible area in Shawnee National Park.
We were there for around 2 hours walking and climbing around from point to point trying to see all the different vistas from different vantage points. You do have to be cautious as you are doing this at your own risk. I always knew the southern Illinois was hilly and had forests, but I didn’t realize how large Shawnee National Park is. You can spent weeks there and not see everything. After spending time @ The Garden of the Gods we drove to another location in the park about 1 hr away named Bell Smith Springs.
To get to this location we needed to drive quite a distance on paved roads and gravel roads through winding roads. It was a pretty remote location over 1 hr west of the garden of the gods. We were concerned that we were going the right way, but eventually found it. You need to walk down hill to natural springs where you can go swimming. There are some areas where the water is so shallow that you can stand on the large flat boulders that are in the springs. There are areas where the pools of water are so deep you can jump off of huge boulders 30 – 40 feet high into the deeper pools (did I say YOU not ME)
Another location for another day will be Jackson Falls, but we ran out of time. I’ve heard that it’s absolutely beautiful in the fall.

I can’t believe that this is in Illinois. It’s completely different from the rest of the state. I had a wonderful time climbing on all of the different rocks and the views were spectacular. We came on a Sunday and again on Monday. Sunday was way too crowded with kids running around. I’d recommend coming on a weekday. It was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

On Sunday, June 15, 2014, Noël, Tony and I went hiking at Garden of the Gods State Park in Hebron, Illinois. It is only about 2 ½ hrs away from Nashville, TN so it is an easy day trip. The views and vistas are Gorgeous… and well worth the drive and the hike. It is not that bad of a hike and so much fun to climb among the rocks, crannies and paths. I love this park. I have been to many and this is the very best place I have been to. I would and will definitely go again.

A mere 5.5 hours from Chicago and not easy to find due to minimal signage but totally worth checking out. I was only able to hang for a little bit but I think this park does a tremendous job of delivering a major Wow! in a very short distance and with minimal effort. You could literally park your car in the lot and process the outstanding view in thirty minutes, if you wanted too. Usually you have to work to get to the good stuff in national parks. There are horse and other trails and camping available. Restrooms do not have running water so that means you get a seat but no flush ;) Some very cool rock formations to check out complete with tunnels and mini caves and it is all extremely accessible to climb all over. Safety is at your own risk here so do be mindful on the rocks because you are as tall as the trees here and there are no safe guards in place. If you find your self in the area, you would be remiss not to stop.

I’d recommend this to visit at least once to anyone in a few hour radius of the Shawnee Region. It’s beautiful, crazy interesting and easily accessible — just a short, flat trail walk takes you to the spectacular cliffs and edges with a meandering trail and runs along the Garden of the Gods.
If you’re feeling adventurous you can climb around on the rocks from multiple points or just admire from a distance.
The Shawnee in general is a beautiful place to visit (camp, hike, rock climb, wineries, cabins, horse riding abound) but this is a must-​see if you’re into natural awe and wonderment :)

This place is amazing. I love to come here as often as I can when we are in Shawnee. This is also where we stay when we come down for winter camping. GOG is always worth the trip!

Wow! It is a gorgeous place. Make sure you wear hiking boots/​trail shoes… you will use it! The trails are amazing and the rock formations take your breath away. The autumn views are spectacular.

when the leaves are changing color, it is hard to imagine anything more stunning. cool trails and rock climbing too.

This place is picture– esque and the perfect way to spend an afternoon hiking around. I wish it were closer. It was even a haul while visiting J in Carbondale, but well worth the jaunt.
Climb and jump from rock to rock at your own risk, but scenic and beaufiul views await every turn. I’m not afraid of heights, but some of the rocks were a little bit high over the tree tops causing that twinge of
fear and shivers down the spine. I was a little scared crawling around on some of the rocks for fear I’d fall and break my neck and be stuck at the bottom waiting for some helicopter team to come and rescue me, winding up on the local news.
Was really impressed with this park. Will defintely have to plan another trip down someday.

Garden of the Gods has such a beautiful view. It is best to hike in the fall, when all of the leaves are changing colors. I always try to go at least once in October around my birthday.

Michelle L. said it all, and far better than I could.
I love this state park. It’s a beautiful place to hike. That’s all I’ve got, and that’s really all you need.