Backpack the Garden of the Gods Wilderness in Shawnee National Forest
Herod, Illinois
Description
Added by Jessie Landau
Amazing viewsBreathtaking geologic formationsWildflowersButterfly viewingVariety of sceneryNo fee dispersed camping!
Park in the backpackers lot at the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. Shawnee National Forest does not require permits or registration for campers staying fewer than 14 days, so be sure to leave your itinerary with a friend or family member at home.
There are two trailheads from the backpacker's lot. Take Trail 108I up towards the River to River Trail (001) and follow the signs to the Garden of the Gods. Be sure to wander around the Observation Trail and see all the incredible rock formations that give this wilderness area it's name. Next, follow trail 108D to 108E, making certain to stop at each lookout point to take in views of the Ohio River Valley so breathtaking, you won't believe you're still in Illinois.
108E will intersect with 001A, which will take you out of the Natural Area (where no camping is allowed) to much more remote wilderness areas. 001A meanders along Rocky Branch Hollow, which provides excellent camping spots along the creek or under impressive overhanging rocks. Here you can find a spot to spend the night. While the Observation area is very popular, even on a busy weekend, you won't run into many other hikers or campers here, so the area feels wonderfully remote.
The next morning you have two choices: either continue following 001A or take 152B, but both will take you to 001, or the River to River Trail (a through trail that takes backpackers from the Ohio to Mississippi Rivers). The River to River (in the direction of High Knob) winds back to to 108I and to the parking lot.
For an added bonus, leave your pack in the car and take the Indian Point Trail loop, 108G, to follow an impressive escarpment to find more incredible views of the surrounding rolling hills and otherworldly rock formations.
While there are plenty of rolling hills and rock formations to climb, this is still Illinois, so don't expect major elevation changes. The terrain, however, is quite rocky, and multiple creek crossings make the trail a bit treacherous at times. And while camping is allowed almost everywhere within the National Forest, it is not allowed within designated Natural Areas, marked both on the map and the trails with yellow shading or posts. Trail intersections are clearly marked with wooden posts but I recommend purchasing a map online from the Friends of Shawnee National Forest. This way, you'll have it to plan longer backpacking trips through multiple wilderness areas along the River to River Trail!
This Midwestern gem is definitely a regional treat and offers some of the best hiking in the state!
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Nearby
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