Illinois’ scenic landscapes just can’t catch a break. Case in point, Illinois’ most beautiful terrain shares its name with another equally impressive wonder in Colorado. Tell a friend that you are going to Garden of the Gods and they most likely will tell you enjoy your trip to Colorado Springs.
If you are lucky enough to know about and have visited the REAL Garden of the Gods in the Shawnee National Forest, chances are, you probably overlooked another scenic wonder in that wilderness.
A few short miles away from Illinois’ Garden of the Gods is Illinois’ only National Recreation Trail, the Rim Rock Trail. This short (0.8 miles), paved trail loops innocuously through a relatively unknown section of the Shawnee National Forest.
Upon arrival, it isn’t apparent that the visitor parking lot is situated on a high ridgeline. The trail slightly climbs away from the parked cars and then slowly plunges deep into the forest toward concealed crags.
If pictures were not available on the gram to help envision the final destination, it would probably feel like just another walk in the park. However, about a ½ mile into the hike, adventurers will find themselves with a choice. Follow a long series of stairs into a dark chasm at the cliffs edge or continue on the paved path.
Take the stairs, its where the fun begins! Each step down leads the traveler deeper into the heart of the Shawnee. The soaring walls creep closer every minute till all the visitor sees, feels and knows are ramparts of mossy rock. Trails seemingly wind in every direction revealing a complex pattern of caves and cliffs. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
Additionally, if solitude is a desire, consider the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail. Rightfully so, the parking lot at Garden of the Gods (Illinois version, remember!) was big and full of cars. Rim Rock Trail had a small gravel parking lot. There were more picnic tables than vehicles. I only saw three people on the trail. Basically, enjoy your visit, but don’t tell anyone else.
Visit: Rim Rock National Scenic Trail
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recarea/?recid=10691
Consider: Drive a few miles south of the Rim Rock Trail and the Garden of the Gods and the GPS might lead the mini-van to the Ohio River Scenic Byway. If driving through pretty places is your thing, then this stunning wind should be on your mind.
