Illinois may be famous for its rolling prairies and cityscapes, but the state of Lincoln also boasts some of the weirdest rock formations in the country. As a geology buff or simply a devotee of great photo opportunities, these 12 stunning rock wonders are worth including in your adventure bucket list.
1. Starved Rock State Park
Location: Utica
Features: It is renowned for its glacial meltwaters-carved sandstone bluffs, which are quite tall. Starved Rock, the eponymous rock, has a rather sad story attached to it, and so it becomes even more appealing.
Hike: Trails start from leisurely walks and continue on to moderate walks, with scads of scenic Illinois River overlooks.
2. Devil’s Standtable
Location: Giant City State Park, Makanda
Features: An unusual sandstone column that appears to be defying gravity. Legend has it that the devil took a nap there.
Hike: Follow the Devil’s Standtable Trail, a brief and simple loop that features this natural anomaly.
3. Camel Rock
Location: Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods Wilderness
Features: This bizarre rock formation resembles a camel sunbathing. It’s one of the most photographed places in Illinois.
Hike: The Observation Trail in the Garden of the Gods is a quick, easy stroll with phenomenal panoramic views.
4. Pomona Natural Bridge
Location: Close to Pomona
Features: An amazing 90-foot-long rock bridge that stands 30 feet high over a creek. It’s the work of nature’s hand at its best.
Hike: A short half-mile trail leads you directly to this geological wonder.
5. Bell Smith Springs
Location: Shawnee National Forest, Ozark
Features: Habitat of unusual rock formations, such as the phenomenal Arch Rock, a natural sandstone bridge.
Hike: Bell Smith Springs Trail has multiple loops from easy to difficult.
6. Matthiessen State Park’s Cascade Falls
Location: Oglesby
Features: There are numerous rock formations within this park, but the real standout is the canyon walls that enclose Cascade Falls. The sandstone layers resemble a natural piece of artwork.
Hike: Moderate hikes are available on the Dells Area trails with many photograph opportunities.
7. Rock City
Location: Near Oregon
Features: A personal park with giant boulders and caves to discover. It’s also an excellent picnic spot and for rock climbing.
Hike: Family-friendly short trails.
8. Mississippi Palisades State Park
Location: Near Savanna
Features: Scenic rugged limestone cliffs and interesting rock outcroppings over the Mississippi River.
Hike: The park offers numerous trails, with some leading to jaw-dropping overlooks.
9. Cave-in-Rock State Park
Location: Cave-in-Rock
Features: A massive limestone cave along the Ohio River. It’s steeped in history, once used by Native Americans and later by outlaws.
Hike: The trails here are easy, with the main attraction being the cave itself.
10. Lusk Creek Canyon
Location: Shawnee National Forest
Features: Towering walls of rock create a dramatic canyon that is like a secret paradise in the making. The canyon is also a paddler’s hotspot.
Hike: Go on the Indian Kitchen Trail for a moderate hike to the center of the canyon.
11. Castle Rock State Park
Location: Oregon
Features: The park is so named due to its distinctive rock outcropping resembling a medieval castle. The views at the top are breathtaking.
Hike: Easy trails to the scenic overlook and the main rock formation.
12. French Canyon
Location: Starved Rock State Park, Utica
Features: This remote canyon is sculpted out of sandstone and boasts a beautiful seasonal waterfall.
Hike: A moderate hike from the visitor center leads through dense forest to the canyon.
These stone marvels demonstrate that Illinois has a lot to offer, with natural beauty complemented by a dash of mystery. So get your hiking boots on, pack your camera, and begin your discovery!
