Harrisburg is the gateway to the Shawnee National Forest. Experience this drive in every season. Spring blooms, summer adventures, fall colors, even in winter when the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests. Bluffs hidden behind the summer foliage emerge dramatically into sight.
Travel Rt. 13 East, then south on Rt. 142 to the small town of Equality, where you might want to try the popular eatery, the Red Onion. Follow the Ohio River Scenic Byway on Shawnee Forest Road to Garden of the Gods.
Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area are three must see locations on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest.
Garden of the Gods consists of spectacular overlooks and views of unusual rock formations. One formation, known as 
Camel Rock, is featured in the America the Beautiful Quarter Program representing Illinois and came out in 2016.
Take Karbers Ridge Road East to Rt. 1 south to Cave In Rock State Park. Take time to explore the cave and enjoy the Ohio River view from the Lodge Restaurant.
Elizabethtown is a few miles west on Hwy. 146 where you can indulge in a fresh fish dinner at the floating E’Town River Restaurant.
Continuing west on Hwy. 146, the nearby town of Rosiclare grew up around the discovery of large deposits of fluorspar in 1843. For a relaxing break, stroll along the town’s river walk or browse Rose Clare Craft and Antique Mall. When you reach historic Golconda, consider taking the self guided audio tour with Golconda.oncell.com.
Once you have had your sweet treat from the Chocolate Factory, 
take Rt. 145 north back to Harrisburg. Along the way you have several opportunities to venture into forest locations such as Millstone Bluff, Jackson Falls and Bell Smith Springs. Find a relaxing vacation at unique cabins, tree houses and vacation rentals here!
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River to River Trail Guide Available – Hike Shawnee Forest Country - Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau · November 6, 2020 at 4:39 pm
[…] guidebook contain seventeen chapters detailing each section of the Trail, including the historic eastern section beginning at Battery Rock, as well as chapters on trail safety, equestrian use of the trail, and […]
Take a hike! - Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau · November 23, 2020 at 7:26 pm
[…] Garden of the Gods and Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area are two must see locations on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest. Both are located just off Karbers Ridge blacktop 30 minutes from Harrisburg. Garden of the Gods consists of spectacular overlooks and views of unusual rock formations. One formation, known as Camel Rock, is featured in the America the Beautiful Quarter Program representing Illinois and came out in 2016. Garden of the Gods has been listed in “USA Today” as one of “Ten Great Places to Get Nature on Film”. There are two main trail systems. The “Observation Trail” is a .25 mile stone path featuring some of the most well known formations. The view of the 3300 acres of beautiful old growth forest from this trail is breathtaking. Sunsets are especially beautiful. The Wilderness area is over 320 million years old. The sediment rock in this area is over 4 miles deep and the fractured bedrock has created some interesting rock formations that represent various objects. […]
Spring Break Adventures with the Kids - Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau · March 23, 2021 at 4:17 pm
[…] of the Gods and Rim Rock/Pounds Hollow Recreational area are two must see locations on the eastern side of the Shawnee National Forest. Both are located just off Karbers Ridge blacktop 30 minutes from Harrisburg. Garden of the […]
Explore Shawnee Forest Country – in Southernmost Illinois « The Healthy Planet · August 2, 2021 at 5:11 pm
[…] won’t want to miss the Garden of Gods — rock formations more than 300 million years old —sculpted patiently over time by wind and […]
15 Explore Shawnee Forest Country – in Southernmost Illinois « The Healthy Planet · August 29, 2021 at 3:27 pm
[…] won’t want to miss the Garden of Gods — rock formations more than 300 million years old —sculpted patiently over time by wind and […]
Head for the Hills of Shawnee Forest Country – in Southernmost Illinois - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine · June 29, 2022 at 5:31 pm
[…] to Southernmost Illinois. An abundance of scenic hikes, easy to challenging, offer beautiful views. Bring your bike, or rent one along the 50 mile Tunnel Hill Trail; or venture out on moderately […]
Shawnee Forest Country - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine · April 4, 2023 at 3:57 pm
[…] Garden of the Gods is one of the best-known sights in southernmost Illinois, and for good reason. The “Observation Trail” is a .25 mile stone path featuring some of the most well known formations. The view of the 3300 acres of beautiful old growth forest from this trail is breathtaking. Sunsets are especially beautiful. The trail passes along the top of a cliff, which affords spectacular views of unusual rock formations like Camel Rock and Devil’s Smokestack. So spend some time and enjoy the view! […]
Shawnee Forest Country - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine · April 27, 2023 at 11:11 am
[…] won’t want to miss the Garden of Gods–rock formations more than 300 million years old –sculpted patiently over time by wind […]
Shawnee National Forest - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine · May 1, 2023 at 4:28 am
[…] to Southernmost Illinois. An abundance of scenic hikes, easy to challenging, offer beautiful views. Bring your bike, or rent one along the 50 mile Tunnel Hill Trail; or venture out on moderately […]
Southernmost Illinois - Travel Taste and Tour Magazine · May 6, 2023 at 12:58 pm
[…] enthusiasts to Southernmost Illinois. An abundance of scenic hikes, easy to challenging, offer beautiful views. Bring your bike, or rent one along the 50 mile Tunnel Hill Trail; or venture out on moderately […]