Illinois is renowned for its flat prairies, but hidden across its landscapes—especially in the southern Shawnee National Forest and beyond—are dramatic and otherworldly rock formations that reward adventurous hikers and travelers.
Here are 12 outlandish Illinois rock formations, each worth every mile of hikes and rough driving required to reach them.
1. Garden of the Gods – Shawnee National Forest
Location: Herod
Home to some of the most iconic and photographed rock formations in Illinois, including the Devil’s Smokestack, Camel Rock, and the Kissing Monkeys. The Observation Trail offers panoramic views and awe-inspiring sandstone bluffs towering up to 100 feet high.
2. Devil’s Smokestack (Garden of the Gods)
Location: Garden of the Gods, Herod
A striking, pillar-shaped sandstone formation that stands alone among the bluffs, resembling a smokestack.
3. Camel Rock (Garden of the Gods)
Location: Garden of the Gods, Herod
A sandstone outcrop shaped like a camel, easily visible from the main trail and a favorite for photos.
4. Kissing Monkeys (Garden of the Gods)
Location: Garden of the Gods, Herod
A pair of sandstone rocks that appear to resemble two monkeys kissing, adding whimsy to the dramatic landscape.
5. Indian Point – Garden of the Gods
Location: Garden of the Gods, Herod
A scenic overlook on the Indian Point Trail, offering dramatic cliff-edge views and access to remote caves below the bluffs.
6. Little Grand Canyon – Shawnee National Forest
Location: Near Murphysboro
A rugged canyon with towering sandstone walls, deep ravines, and scenic vistas over the Mississippi floodplain. The trail descends into the canyon, revealing dramatic rock ledges and grottoes.
7. Swallow Rock (Little Grand Canyon)
Location: Little Grand Canyon, near Murphysboro
A prominent white sandstone face visible from the canyon rim, marking a dramatic point along the trail.
8. Rim Rock’s Ancient Rock Wall – Shawnee National Forest
Location: Near Pounds Hollow
The Rim Rock Trail features remnants of a Native American rock wall and leads to massive sandstone overhangs and bluffs, offering both historical intrigue and natural beauty.
9. Ox-Lot Cave (Rim Rock Trail)
Location: Rim Rock Trail, near Pounds Hollow
A large sandstone cave along the trail, accessible via a short side path, perfect for exploring and photography.
10. Giant City State Park’s Sandstone Canyons
Location: Makanda
Famous for its massive sandstone bluffs and narrow canyons, the Giant City Nature Trail feels like walking through giant stone corridors, shaped by millions of years of erosion.
11. Panther Den Wilderness – Giant Sandstone Boulders
Location: Makanda
A maze of giant sandstone boulders and narrow passageways, Panther Den is one of the most secluded and unique rock formations in Illinois, offering a true sense of adventure.
12. Hawk’s Cave – Ferne Clyffe State Park
Location: Goreville
One of the largest rock shelters in Illinois, Hawk’s Cave is a massive sandstone overhang accessible via a short hike, offering shade and a dramatic setting for exploration.
Sources:
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nature/illinois/downright-otherworldly-hiking-trail-il
- https://www.shawneeforest.com/garden-of-the-gods/
- https://www.shawneeforest.com/little-grand-canyon/
- https://runwildmychild.com/southern-illinois-murphysboro/