Garden of the Gods (Illinois)

As you may know, the River to River trail traverses right through the Garden of the Gods. There's even a frontcountry campground there. You probably want to start on their website. I'll be taking some people on the trail this coming June, so here's a possible itinerary.

If you're looking for a loop, there's a network of horse trails through the Shawnee National Forest that would help make one. I'm not exactly sure where to get these horse trail maps but I found them to be just about the best around, even though they're not very detailed for hikers. For example, don't expect too many contour lines although there isn't too much up and down in the region anyway.

Last March I did a wonderful overnight loop of about 14 miles (not sure of the actual distance) along some of the most scenic bluffs in Southern Illinois. It starts at the East Trigg trailhead, which is to the west just off the left edge of the map linked below on trail 001. As you come in on 001, turn left on trail 001T, which follows along the base of some spectacular bluffs. Route finding can be a little difficult, and a GPS helps. Eventually make your way south on the trail west of the tracks, then pass under the tracks. You'll want to make your way to 049, but the route I took after passing under the tracks isn't shown on this map.
Jackson Falls Trail System

However, the first part of the All Trails map linked below shows the East Trigg Trailhead and the route east of the tracks that dips down to the body of water you can see in both maps.
All rails East Trigg Loop

After reaching the head of the dam, keep left and head up the ridge with good views of Bay Creek. Follow the All Trails route (trail 049 in the first link) to its northernmost point-- beautiful Jackson Falls. From East Trigg to Jackson Falls is a good day of hiking (about 9 miles). I camped at Jackson Falls, but there are other opportunities along the way.

On day two follow the bluffs on your right on trail 048 until reaching the tracks again. Instead of heading south (east of the tracks) cross the tracks, and head down the other side (I think the place to cross is just south of where you came out to the tracks). Then find your way north into the Jackson Hollow Natural Area shown in the upper left of the first linked map. The trails in this area are poorly marked (if at all) but finding your way isn't too difficult. Once you start heading west into Jackson Hollow, keep the bluffs on your right and follow them as far as you can. Eventually they'll peter out, then it's a matter of find your way back to the road and East Trigg TH. That was the most difficult route finding for me, but if you head west you will come out to the road north of the TH.

Here is a link with more information on East Trigg TH and a hiker's experience in this area.

Here's another source of info for Shawnee national Forest, and a couple more links pertaining to the area of this hike:
www.semissourian.com/blogs/pavementends/entry/57431
www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/jackson-hollow-shawnee-national-forest

Whatever hike you end up choosing, please post a trip report and let us know how it went.

null, I went to school at SIU in the late 70's- early 80's and have gone hiking there many times since, but never visited Trigg Tower. Is the observation platform open to the public?

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