Golconda, Illinois
Top Spots in and near Golconda
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Herod, Illinois
Hike the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
4.91 miIn the southernmost part of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a wonderful natural area that transports you far from the flat agricultural landscape typical of so much of the Midwest. Located in the central area of the forest, Garden of the Gods is a 3,318-acre wilderness area characterized by ...Read more -
Herod, Illinois
Garden of the Gods Trail
1.02.16 mi / 256 ft gainGarden of the Gods Trail is an out-and-back trail where you can see beautiful wildflowers located near Equality, Illinois.Read more -
Ozark, Illinois
Explore Camp Ondessonk
10 miIn the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is an amazing camp that provides many adventures for those with all skill levels. When camp is out, anyone is allowed to visit Camp Ondessonk as a guest and explore. There are over 10 miles of trails through pristine forests, sandstone canyons, and sev...Read more -
Cave-In-Rock State Park, Illinois
Hike to Cave-in-Rock
0.75 mi / 110 ft gainLocated in a Southern Illinois State Park bearing its name, Cave-in-Rock is a 55 ft wide limestone cavern that sits along the banks of the Ohio River. Once a site of Murderers, River Pirates, and a brothel is now a crown jewel of the Illinois State Park system. The beauty of the area and the dark...Read more -
Metropolis, Illinois
Visit Fort Massac State Park
5.00.5 mi / 15 ft gainThe long decorated history of Fort Massac dates back to 1757 during the French and Indian War when this French fort was constructed overlooking the Ohio River in Southernmost Illinois. The French left the fort behind at the conclusion of that war, then was rebuilt and used once more during the Re...Read more -
Junction, Illinois
Hike Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
1.7 mi / 360 ft gainRim Rock Trail follows the edge of the bluff top, hence its name, and features vistas of a slot canyon below, a stone fort used by prehistoric Native Americans, a cave used on the Underground Railroad, and diverse wildlife habitats. Located near very popular Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock is someti...Read more -
Brookport, Illinois
Visit the Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site
Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site is a nationally significant Native-American archaeological treasure. From about 800 AD to 1500 AD it was the ‘capital' of a chiefdom that stretched from Brookport to Hamletsburg along the Ohio River. Large flat-topped mounds were erected on which the houses and ...Read more -
Paducah, Kentucky
Explore the Historic Paducah River Front
4.00.5 mi / 27 ft gainVisit Paducah's thriving riverfront and take a self-guided tour of the Paducah Wall to Wall Murals along the concrete floodwall in downtown. These works of art depict Paducah's rich history in more than 50 life-sized panoramic murals by renowned artist Robert Dafford and the Dafford Murals Team...Read more -
Junction, Illinois
Paddle or Swim at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
This 25 acre lake within the Shawnee National Forest was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are several large picnic areas and shelters available along with a sand beach and swimming area. The hollow is surrounded by sandstone bluffs and sharp cliffs and provides an excellent day pa...Read more -
Paducah, Kentucky
Bike or Run the Greenway Trail
7.6 mi / 111 ft gainThe Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail is open to non-motorized traffic from dawn to dusk. Distance markers, shelters, and benches are located along the trail. The Greenway Trail links Perkins Creek Nature Preserve, Stuart Nelson Park, Noble Park, Schultz Park, and the Ohio River shoreline. The best ...Read more -
Belknap, Illinois
Paddle Mermet Lake
Mermet Lake Conservation is an old Cypress and Tupelo Swamp that has been turned into a shallow lake by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It was developed in 1949 as a waterfowl hunting destination. Each October the lake is closed and only accessible by hunters, but the Spring and Sum...Read more -
Vienna, Illinois
Bike the Tunnel Hill State Trail
9.3 mi / 326 ft gainThe 9.3 (one way) section of the 44.5 mile that begins at the Tunnel Hill access point and travels south to Vienna, Illinois is one of the most picturesque stretches of Southern Illinois. The former Norfolk Southern Railroad line connects to many other popular trails like the River to River Trai...Read more -
Belknap, Illinois
Hike the Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail
1.5 mi / 125 ft gainThis easy trail crosses a truss bridge over the Cache River and features a floating boardwalk in the middle of one of the most beautiful and accessible Cypress-Tupelo swamps in the Midwest. There are 10 interpretive panels located along the trail to guide your way. The floating boardwalk section ...Read more -
Goreville, Illinois
Hike the Round Bluff Nature Preserve
5.01.25 mi / 185 ft gainJust south of the Lakeview Picnic Shelter is the 53-acre Round Bluff Nature Preserve. Round Bluff has been designated a nature preserve which means that you are only allowed to hike on maintained trails. This is an isolated area of the massive sandstones that form the canyons of Ferne Clyffe Stat...Read more -
Goreville, Illinois
Camp at Ferne Clyffe State Park
Ferne Clyffe has a campground for everyone. From the more modern, or primitive, larger groups, backpackers and even equestrian campers. From beginner to hardened veteran eagle scout, there is a campsite for everyone. The shower facilities that are offered at some campgrounds are available seasona...Read more -
Cypress, Illinois
Hike the Egret Slough Trail
0.5 mi / 12 ft gainFor a great introduction to the Cache River Basin of Southern Illinois make your way to the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center. Here you will find a spur trail to the Tunnel Hill Bicycle Trail, information and exhibits, and ranger information about area trails and paddle put in's. Just outsid...Read more