garden of the gods

C9316BGkevint

So glad we came here. One of the best views in the midwest. Easy access, good trails, a little hard to find the park and sites are not marked well at all. Plan for a full day here.

phillips497

I was in the area for business and recommended to check this place out on the weekend. I made the hour drive and was not disappointed. The park was nice and clean and instead of hauling some old rock away they made a nice path to get around. The rocks are nice to walk on. It was windy so don't wear anything lose or it will get pulled away. I would not recommend going after a rainy day as the stone would be slippery and the path would be a mess. But I would come back in the future can't beat the view at the peak. From the main road I think 145 or 146 should be labeled better or some more signs to make tourist more aware. The address provided is for the shawnee park office and is about 20-25 mins away from the rock cliff.

uladayles

I liked most of it...enjoyed time with Kyle...He had a great time...loved being near the River..also enjoyed eating at "Tequila's in Carmi, Illinois too..

JohntheFoneMan

Handicap accessible (at least the major portion) trails. Plus trails for the serious hikers. Other nearby areas such as Indian Point are reachable by car. There is also an overnight camp ground.

Eugenna

Half of us loved it, and half of us not so much, basically if you have a problem with heights you are not going to like it. If you enjoy standing on the edge of a giant rock and looking out over a valley of trees then you will like it. Good hiking through the trees and rocks, mostly shaded except out on the rocks themselves. We also hiked the rim rock trail, which had lots of stairs, some of them cut out of the stones.

honya1

We had a nice time visiting here, and it was a nice little hike. Beautiful scenery. No flush toilets at this location.

697vm

Simply stunning views. Pathways are in very good condition. Be very careful if you have little ones with you. Lots of drops and high cliffs.

BarbaraS798

Just in awe how beautiful this really is. Worth going to. Could not believe some of the shapes and colors just from water and wind. Stand on top of the rocks and you can see for miles over the tree tops. Just beautiful. Would love to come back in the summer.

dmazm

Garden of Gods illinois is full of history and beauty. Amazing hike trails. The reserves atound gog are amazing as well. Quite a hidden spot.

491kandyw

Stunning! I wanted to visit this State Park when I heard its name: Garden of the Gods. It did not disappoint either. It is a great hike but not too strenuous if you stay on the main trail. It is located in the Shawnee National Forest, so even the drive is spectacular. You cannot get a bad view here.

Dana774

The Garden of the Gods was absolutely spectacular! The view above the trees was breathtaking, and so picturesque. The access was very easy with nice walking paths and plenty of climbing for the enthusiast!

NathanS417

We spent two days backpacking in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area. The main viewing area ("Camel Rock") is quite wonderful, although very busy. But to really experience the beauty of the area, take at least a full day hiking. Other trails descend into wonderful and more secluded valleys. I can't recommend these hikes highly enough.

thelazyt

Great hike out onto the boulders. There was a great view of the last of the leaves. YOu would need to do this by end of October with mid-October being optimal viewing.

DebbieW924

If u want to see the beautiful colors this time of the year this is the place to go. Just be careful and don't get to close to the edge of the rocks. A lot of accidents this time of year.

ThomasF71

Awesome views, well worth the visit,if you are passing or staying in the area you can make it an hour trip or an all week adventure, I stayed at a good hotel about a half hour away ,it was the quality inn Marion Illinois they had better rates than others in the area,definitely recommend to see the garden of the gods during the fall season