12 Outlandish IIIinois Rock Formations Worth Every Mile Of Hikes & Rough Driving

Here are 12 outlandish Illinois rock formations worth exploring, along with some of the best hikes and scenic drives to reach them:

1. Camel Rock – Garden of the Gods
   • Location: Shawnee National Forest, Herod,
   • Features: A famous sandstone formation resembling a camel, part of the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.
   • Hike: 0.25-mile observation trail with stunning views.
2. Anvil Rock – Garden of the Gods
   • Location: Shawnee National Forest, Herod,
   • Features: Unique sandstone formation with a distinctive shape.
   • Hike: Same trail as Camel Rock.
3. Mushroom Rock – Garden of the Gods
   • Location: Shawnee National Forest, Herod,
   • Features: Another iconic rock formation in the Garden of the Gods area.
   • Hike: Part of the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.
4. Table Rock – Garden of the Gods
   • Location: Shawnee National Forest, Herod,
   • Features: A flat-topped rock formation offering panoramic views.
   • Hike: Accessible via the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.
5. Giant City Sandstone Formations
   • Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda,
   • Features: Towering sandstone canyons resembling giant city streets.
   • Hike: Giant City Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop.
6. Panther Den Rock Formations
   • Location: Panther Den Wilderness Area, Makanda,
   • Features: Intricate maze of giant sandstone boulders and natural caves.
   • Hike: Panther Den Loop Trail, 3-6 miles.
7. Big Rocky Hollow Waterfall Rocks – Ferne Clyffe State Park
   • Location: Goreville,
   • Features: Striking rock formations surrounding a scenic waterfall.
   • Hike: Big Rocky Hollow Trail.
8. Hawk’s Cave Rock Shelter – Ferne Clyffe State Park
   • Location: Goreville,
   • Features: A massive rock shelter offering insights into the area’s natural history.
   • Hike: Hawk’s Cave Trail.
9. Starved Rock Sandstone Formations
   • Location: Starved Rock State Park, Utica,
   • Features: Glacier-carved rock formations and hidden canyons.
   • Hike: Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail, 4.3 miles.
10. Rim Rock Trail Formations

• Location: Shawnee National Forest – Features: Unique rock formations along a scenic trail. – Hike: Rim Rock Trail, near Garden of the Gods.

11. Pomona Natural Bridge
    • Location: Shawnee National Forest
    • Features: A natural rock bridge formed by erosion.
    • Hike: Accessible via a short hike from the Pomona Natural Bridge Trailhead.
12. Little Grand Canyon Rock Formations
    • Location: Shawnee National Forest
    • Features: Deep canyon with unique rock formations and scenic views.
    • Hike: Little Grand Canyon Trail, offering stunning views of the canyon.

These formations showcase Illinois’s diverse geological landscape and offer breathtaking views and hiking experiences.

SOURCES

1. https://roamingnelsons.com/southern-il-hikes/
2. https://www.shawneeforest.com/garden-of-the-gods/
3. https://fortheloveofwanderlust.com/hikes-in-southern-illinois/
4. https://www.ikehonda.com/blog/hiking-guide-southern-illinois/