I took a fast trip down to Southern Illnois last week. Around the Harrisburg area which is the enterance to the Shawnee National Forest. Since I am a Saluki, I hung out there a few times but it was more around Giant City. I forgot just how nice it is down there. Especially the small mountains that really stand out. You almost forget you are in Illinois. (how many times do we wish that a day)?
Anyway, I went to the Garden of the Gods. Some really high rock formations and bluffs. Very scenic. Since the economy sucks, this would be a great place to go for the day, camp out at the camground, then head home the next day. It takes about 5 1/2 hours to get there. Not too bad if gas prices stay around $2.00 bucks a gallon this summer.
Lots of day hikes, or you can get couragous and stay in one of the many caves they have down there. One good one is about 3 miles east of the Garden of the Gods park, and it’s along the River to River Trail. They have 4 camp in caves with fire pits. Very cool.
Something to think about if you are planning a vacation this summer.
My daughter and her hubby used to go there all the time to rock climb.. I’ve only been there once, many years ago. Now I want to go back, maybe stop by Allerton Park!
Camp out in a cave? Is there a bathroom in there? : )
If you go down there again… look for ‘Little Grand Canyon’. You probably won’t find it on a map. The locals know of it. The location is marked when you find it but otherwise it is a secret gem hidden away. There are many such hidden wonders down there that won’t be on many if any maps (which is by design I believe).