Garden of the Gods - Illinois
GPS: 37.6042; -88.3902; Herod, IL 62947
Daylight
$
outdoor-adventures, hikes, parks
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We drove to Garden of the Gods, about an hour drive from our 'base' in Paducah. Garden of the Gods has gorgeous views and amazing boulder structures. Its name aptly describes how awe-inspiring it was. The Observation Trail is only about ½ a mile long, easy for very small children, and meanders along the cliff overlooks. Be careful near the edges as the drops are steep. You'll want to hold the hands of small children and not let older children get very far out of sight. You’ll want to spend a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour walking through it. The walk is easy for even the smallest of hikers. Look out for Camel Rock. This was by far the highlight of Shawnee National Forest for our family. There are bathrooms in the parking lot.
Directions: Latitude: 37.6042 Longitude: -88.3902; Take Exit 54 off of Interstate 57 and follow Illinois 13 East for 25 miles. Turn Right onto US 45 in Harrisburg, IL and continue South for 1 mile. Then, turn Left onto Illinois 34 and follow the highway for 16 miles until you reach Karbers Ridge Road.