This Underrated Illinois State Park Is A Natural Playground Full Of Trails & Recreation

Tucked away in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, Giant City State Park features sandstone bluffs, dense forests, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. With its unique landscape and variety of hiking trails, it is easy to see why Giant City is considered one of the best state parks to visit in the Illinois.

The park gets its name from a series of massive sandstone formations that create natural corridors resembling city blocks carved out of rock. It started with an initial 1,100 acres in 1927, but expanded to more than 4,000 acres of protected natural terrain, complete with lodges, cabins, and a prehistoric stone wall.

If you are flying in, the nearest airport is the Veterans Airport of Southern Illinois a 25-minute drive from Giant City State Park, which only services flights to and from Chicago O'Hare. Alternatively, you can fly to St. Louis Lambert International Airport in Missouri, roughly a two-hour drive northwest. Outdoor enthusiasts will agree it's worth the drive, as this state park is full of adventure opportunities.

For a chance to enjoy breathtaking views, hike one of the park's many trails. One easy, popular option is the Giant City Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes you through the "streets" of Giant City. Walking through the sandstone walls that line the passageways will make you feel like you've been transported back to prehistoric times. If you're looking for a moderate but still family-friendly hike, the Trillium Trail is a 2-mile loop through forests and seasonal wildflowers with scenic views. In the spring, the trail comes alive with beautiful colors.

Equestrians will love the 12-mile horse trail, which passes through sandstone bluffs and steep ravines, suitable for riders of various skill levels. You can also enjoy guided rides on private trails from the Giant City Stables. For a more thrilling view of Giant City, the state park is also home to various rock climbing routes, both for beginners and advanced rock climbers. While individuals can climb around the Devil's Standtable cliff or Shelter #1 bluff without checking in at the visitor center, groups need to provide insurance details and fill out an activity permit. Here's what to know about the difference between hiking, scrambling, and bouldering.

Apart from outdoor recreation at the park, visitors can explore other activities and attractions nearby. For example, Makanda, a nearby community often called the "most hippie town in Illinois," is an artsy destination filled with galleries, artisan shops, and locally made treasures. For a charming college town experience, take a 15-minute drive north to Carbondale, home to Southern Illinois University. It is awash with live music venues, museums, and outdoor festivals like CarbondALE beer festival and the Carbondalien Festival that commemorates a supposed UFO crash over 50 years ago. If you visit Carbondale, don't forget to stop by Global Gourmet, where you can enjoy a rotating seasonal menu of delicious international cuisine.

Head about 40 miles east of the park to surround yourself in calming, bright green forest views at Illinois' tallest waterfall, Burden Falls. The views are breathtaking as the water drops into a rocky canyon. If you visit in spring, the water flow will be at its peak, providing the perfect backdrop to surround yourself in natural beauty. The 100-foot-high waterfall also offers opportunities for spotting different types of wildlife, including barred owls, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. For more outdoor adventures, you can hit all of Illinois' hidden gem natural wonders on one epic road trip.