Experience the Otherworldly Beauty of the Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois

Nestled within the Shawnee National Forest in Southeastern Illinois is a space of land so beautiful that it looks like it’s been taken straight from the pages of a wonderful storybook.

The Garden of the Gods near Harrisburg, Illinois offers visitors incredible scenic views that seem to stretch for miles and insight into the unique geology of Southern Illinois. Stretching over Pope, Saline, and Hardin counties, it’s a place blessed with beauty that seems otherworldly as its name suggests.

NOTE: The area within the forest includes the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Garden of the Gods Wilderness. The Wilderness stretches across 3,318 acres, is relatively untouched, and borders the recreation area on the north, west, and south. The two areas are connected by trails.

Once a settlement area for Indigenous tribes, the Garden of the Gods is one of the state’s most visited landmarks and a treasure trove for photographers, hikers, rock climbers, bird watchers, and countless others who want to see its indescribable beauty for themselves.

An Otherworldly Wonderland

The Garden of the Gods gets a lot of attention and is one of the most photographed spots in Illinois. While it may be a beloved crown jewel, it still feels like a hidden gem that touches the hearts and imaginations of all who visit.

A garden worthy of any god or deity. I could go on and on and on about how awesome and amazing this place is but frankly… words and photos just don’t do it justice.

Standing there on the edge of a cliff and seeing trees until the horizon ends is breathtaking. Taking a short walk to another cliff changes the view and inspires awe all over again.

Whether you are a fan of hiking or not, you can park nearby and walk for a few minutes to take in this truly beautiful view.

– Joshua via Google

The quarter-mile Observation Trail takes 30 minutes to walk, depending on how long visitors take to explore. Along the way, visitors are treated to panoramic vistas of the Wilderness and loop past unique sandstone formations. Visitors can also stop to read interpretive signs that explain the area’s extensive geological history.

As a whole, the trail isn’t too tiring, but it does have some steps and steep grades, so caution should be used. Benches are also located along the trail for those who need to rest.

Fall — particularly October — is one of the best times to visit the Garden of the Gods as vibrant pockets of orange, yellow, and red pop up from among the rock formations. April is another fun time to visit as the views take center stage amid the rebirth of local flora and fauna after a long winter.

The colors are best enjoyed from the scenic overlooks, so have your sense of wonder and your camera ready. The overlooks are also a terrific place to watch the sunset — some even say the Garden of the Gods is the best spot in the state.

A Garden of Incredible Rock Formations

Thousands of years ago, powerful forces of wind and rain chiseled away at large sedimentary rock deposits within the future Shawnee National Forest. This continued erosion created stunning rock formations that are a hallmark of the Garden — almost like it has its own unique set of “statues.”

These magnificent rock formations can be seen and enjoyed by curious explorers as they follow the winding paths through the Garden of the Gods.

The most famous and popular rock formation along the Observation Trail is Camel Rock. It’s so named because it looks just like a camel with a distinctive head and multiple humps. It can be found about halfway along the trail. If you look closely, it’s said that visitors can see a monkey face watching the camel.

Further along the trail, visitors will come upon a cliff wall and the Devil’s Smokestack — a scenic stand-alone pillar. Within the 5.5 miles of interconnecting trails of the Garden of the Gods, visitors can also enjoy the site of other unique formations such as Anvil Rock, Mushroom Rock, Table Rock, and H-Rock.

Other Scenic Garden of the Gods Trails

The longer Indian Point Trail is a 1.6-mile loop that allows more adventurous hikers to get away from the crowds and explore the deeper parts of the Garden. The trail is somewhat difficult, but still suitable for families and groups to see scenic bluffs and rocks.

All visitors are encouraged to “leave no trace” as they explore.

The beginning of the trail takes visitors through a scenic tunnel of towering pine trees. Further along the trail, hikers can enjoy overlooks at Indian Point and venture even further along to explore a series of small caves.

The Garden of the Gods also links up with the River to River trail and each trail within the Garden is marked with a different color, allowing hikers, horseback riders, and curious travelers alike to explore at their own pace.

The recreation area also has several year-round rustic campsites. The sites provide a few basic amenities such as water, picnic tables, and fire pits. But those who want to rough it are advised to bring all necessary materials because the nearest town is roughly 20 minutes away. 

Experience the Majesty of the Garden of the Gods

With an otherworldly name and otherworldly beauty, a trip to the Garden of the Gods within the Shawnee National Forest is a special experience for anyone who visits.

From its spectacular views, curious sandstone formations, and opportunity for exploration, every visitor can have their own unique adventure in one of the most picturesque spots in the Midwest.