| Operational Hours: Campground is open year-round. Picnic area and Observation Trail hours of operation – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. | Closest Towns: Herod, IL 62947 | Water: campground only | Restroom: vault toilets |
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Does Illinois have a Garden of the Gods?
Look no further than
Garden of the Gods in Southern Illinois
. The most popular hike in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods gives tourists amazing insight into the geologic structure of Southern Illinois and a view that stretches for miles high over the pristine hills of Shawnee Forest.
Are there waterfalls at Garden of the Gods?
Are you planning an afternoon at Garden of the Gods? Plan to also enjoy the scenic
Helen Hunt Falls
, located just 10 miles away—a short drive. Helen Hunt Falls is a stunning 35-foot waterfall in North Cheyenne Cañon Park, west of Colorado Springs.
How long of a hike is Garden of the Gods?
| Hike Distance Six Trails: 1/2 to 3 miles Round Trip – Depending on Trail | Trail Type Both Loop and Out-and-Back Hikes | Starting Elevation 6200′ | Elevation Gain Up to +300′ | Seasons Year Round |
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What county is Garden of the Gods Illinois?
Area Status: Open
Garden Of The Gods Wilderness is located in
Saline, Pope, and Hardin Counties
. The wilderness features an outstanding scenic views along with very unusual rock formations.
How long does it take to drive through Garden of the Gods?
Drive a car
Driving yourself through Garden of the Gods is free and only takes
about 20 minutes
(depending on how fast the car in front of you is going!) We still recommend you stop by the Trading Post for a map, but the loop is pretty easy to follow and most of the main formations are visible from the road.
How did Garden of the Gods in Illinois get its name?
formed 12,000 years ago by huge bluffs of sandstone. Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, just minutes south of Carbondale, the area was
named for the unique impressions made by its massive sandstone structures
.
How many acres is Garden of the Gods?
Today the original 480-acre Perkins land donation, “a gift of inestimable value”, forms the center of Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, which now totals
1,367 acres
. It still is free and will always be “Kept forever free to the world.”
Is Garden of the Gods in Illinois handicap accessible?
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is another
one of the Shawnee National Forest Handicap Accessible Trails
that I would recommend. If you start clockwise on the trail, you will be able to see most of the trail without having to manage the steps or tight squeezes.
How much does Helen Hunt Falls cost?
It’s not much of a hike to Helen Hunt Falls because the base of the falls can be accessed just a few steps from the Helen Hunt Falls Visitor Center. The visitor center is open only in the Summer and has snacks and gifts for sale. The waterfall access is open year-round and there is
no fee
.
Why is it called Helen Hunt Falls?
Helen Hunt Falls
named after Helen Hunt Jackson
, author and social activist in the late 19th century marks the abrupt descent of Cheyenne Creek where North Cheyenne Canyon Rd merges with Gold Camp Rd.
Where is Helen Hunt Falls located?
Helen Hunt Falls is a 35 foot waterfall located at
the top of North Cheyenne Canon Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado
. If you are driving from Denver, head south on Interstate 25 and then go west on West Cheyenne Road for about 2.5 miles.
Is Garden of the Gods a difficult hike?
Tips For Hiking Garden Of The Gods. Before you head out to explore or hike Garden of the Gods, it’s important to be prepared. It’s true that this park is small and
most of the trails are quite easy
. But, Garden of the Gods is at an elevation of around 6,400 feet.
Can you drive through the Garden of Gods?
Yes, you can drive through the Garden of the Gods
and there are several parking areas. There is no charge to visit the Garden. It is a great place to visit!
How much does it cost to go to Garden of the Gods?
The Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. Both the Park and Visitor & Nature Center are
FREE
and open to the public.
Can you camp in the Garden of the Gods?
One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods’ scenic beauty is extraordinary.
In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic
.
Can you fly a drone in Shawnee National Forest?
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones are allowed for recreational use in the Shawnee National Forest
.
Is Cave In rock Open?
Hours are
daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
in the full service restaurant. For more information, call (618) 289-4545 or write Cave-In-Rock Restaurant and Lodging, Cave-In-Rock, IL 62919. Enjoy a getaway to nearby Southern Illinois with Shawnee National Forest Cabins.
Are the trails at Garden of the Gods paved?
Miles of Trails to Explore!
Begin at the North Garden parking lot for easy,
paved foot paths
through the heart of the red rock formations. From the South Garden parking lot there are approximately 5 miles of trails for mountain biking and hiking. In addition, all one-way roads in the park have paved bike lanes.
Why is Garden of the Gods so famous?
Garden of the Gods is a popular natural landmark nestled at the foot of Pikes Peak on the west side of Colorado Springs.
Known for its massive red rocks sticking straight out of the ground
, tourists come from all over the world to wander the trails, see the wildlife and witness the formations for themselves.
What is the best time to go to Garden of the Gods?
Head to the park
early in the morning or late at night
to avoid crowds and get parking. The Garden of the Gods has some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in our state. In the morning, grab your Yeti of coffee and get out before 5:30 am for an amazing summer sunrise.
Why is it called Giant City?
Nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park was
named for the unique impressions made by its massive sandstone structures and a landscape like none other
, with lush garments of fern, moss, flowering mints, hundreds of species of wild flowers and more than 75 varieties of towering trees.
Can you fly drones at Garden of the Gods Illinois?
Drones are
not allowed
.
Is Garden of the Gods federal land?
Garden of the Gods Park is
a registered National Natural Landmark
.
Can you bring your dog to Garden of the Gods?
Dogs on a 6-foot leash are allowed in the Garden of the Gods Park
. There is one designated area where dogs can run unleashed; south of Gateway Road, West of 30th Street, and east of Rock Ledge Ranch Historic Site. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs in all areas of the Park.
What is better Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods?
Both Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak Cog Railway are highly recommended by expert reviewers. On balance,
Garden of the Gods scores significantly higher than Pikes Peak Cog Railway
.
Why are the rocks red at Garden of the Gods?
The Utes’ oral traditions tell of their creation at the Garden of the Gods, and petroglyphs have been found in the park that are typical of early Utes. The Utes found red rocks
to have a spiritual connection
and camped near Manitou Springs and the creek near Rock Ledge Ranch bordering Garden of the Gods.
