How hard is the Garden of the Gods hike?
This guide to the Garden of the Gods features 6 different hiking trail options, spanning from easy to moderate and 1/2 mile to 2.5 mile hikes….Trail Option #2 – The Ridge Trail at Garden of the Gods.
| Hike Distance | 0.5 Mile Round Trip |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Elevation Gain | Approx. +100′ |
Can u camp in Garden of the Gods?
In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic. The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. See below for details about camping, picnicking and other activities in the Garden of the Gods.
Where can I backpack in Illinois?
Top backpacking spots in and near Illinois
- Topeka, Illinois. Backpack the Yellow Trail at Sand Ridge State Forest.
- Pope County, Illinois. Hike to Indian Kitchen.
- Jonesboro, Illinois. Camp in the Trail of Tears State Forest.
- Palos Park, Illinois.
- Clayton, Illinois.
- Makanda, Illinois.
- Alto Pass, Illinois.
- Sugar Grove, Illinois.
Where can I disperse camp in Illinois?
Top Illinois Dispersed Campgrounds
- Millpoint Park. 6 Reviews.
- Pharoah – Garden of the Gods Rec Area Campground. 41 Reviews.
- Kishauwau’s Starved Rock Area Cabins. 1 Reviews.
- Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs.
- Ferne Clyffe State Park.
- Chain O’Lakes State Park.
- Giant City State Park.
- Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area.
Can you fly a drone in Shawnee National Forest?
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones are allowed for recreational use in the Shawnee National Forest.
Is Garden of the Gods worth it?
To put it succinctly, yes! A resounding yes. Garden of the Gods is worth seeing. A visit to the Garden of the Gods is truly memorable.
Where is the garden of the gods in Illinois?
Look no further than Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois. The most popular hike in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods gives tourists amazing insight into the geologic structure of Southern Illinois and a view that stretches for miles high over the pristine hills of Shawnee Forest.
Where is the garden of the gods observation trail?
Contact the National Forest Headquarters and Information Center at (618) 253-7114 for more information. The Observation Trail is a 1/4-mile flagstone loop containing unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness within the Shawnee National Forest.
Is there parking at Garden of the gods?
Parking: Observation Trail has two large parking lots. Overnight parking is allowed at Backpacker’s Parking Lot in the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and at Hitching Post Trailhead along Gape Hollow Road on the west side of Garden of the Gods Wilderness. No overnight parking is allowed in picnic area or Observation Trail parking lots.
Can You horseback ride in the garden of the gods?
Horseback riding is prominent throughout the Shawnee National Forest and, as an extension, the Garden of the Gods as well. If you’re interested in horseback riding, all you have to do is head to one of the area’s many equestrian centers.