Great Fall Hiking Spots in Southern Illinois

Looking to hike some of the best  trails in southern Illinois this fall? Here are eight great trails and scenic areas to get in all your leaf peeping this fall (in no particular order):

1. Pere Marquette State Park

• Location: Near Grafton, IL, along the Illinois River
• Highlights: The largest state park in Illinois, Pere Marquette is known for its bluffs, beautiful river views, and expansive forests. The park has over 12 miles of trails that range from easy to challenging. The fall colors are especially beautiful from the scenic overlooks.
• Best Trails: Goat Cliff Trail, Fern Hollow Trail
• More information: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.peremarquette.html

2. Shawnee National Forest (Garden of the Gods)

• Location: Southeast of Carbondale, but worth the drive from Southwestern Illinois
• Highlights: Though a bit further from the southwestern region, Shawnee National Forest offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Midwest. Garden of the Gods features massive rock formations and stunning panoramic views, especially vibrant during fall.
• Best Trails: Observation Trail (easy but scenic)
• More information:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/shawnee/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=10685&actid=29

3. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

• Location: Near Collinsville, IL
• Highlights: This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a combination of history and nature. Hike through the ancient Mississippian civilization mounds, enjoy the interpretive trails, and take in views from Monks Mound, the largest earthen mound in North America.
• Best Trails: Interpretive Trail, Woodhenge Trail
• More information: https://cahokiamounds.org/

4. Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve

• Location: Valmeyer, IL (Monroe County)
• Highlights: This scenic area offers rugged limestone bluffs and views of the Mississippi River floodplain. The Salt Lick Trail takes hikers up into the bluffs where the fall foliage is stunning, especially with the contrast of river and limestone below.
• Best Trails: Salt Lick Point Trail, Johnson Trail
• More information: http://www.clifftopalliance.org/salt-lick-point-land-and-water-reserve/

5. Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve

• Location: Near Prairie du Rocher, IL
• Highlights: A hidden gem, this preserve offers unique prairie views with high bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River Valley. The hike is moderately challenging and offers panoramic views of the river, perfect for leaf-peeping.
• Best Trails: Fults Hill Prairie Trail
• More information: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.fultshillprairie.html

6. Beaver Dam State Park

• Location: Near Carlinville, IL
• Highlights: This park features a mix of wooded trails and lakeside views. The scenic loop around Beaver Dam Lake is especially peaceful, and the changing leaves make the hike even more picturesque.
• Best Trails: Lakeside Trail
• More information: https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/park.beaverdam.html

7. Kingsbury Park District Nature Preserve

• Location: Greenville, IL
• Highlights: This peaceful nature preserve offers a serene environment with well-maintained trails through wooded areas and open fields. It’s a quieter option, making it great for a relaxed fall hike to enjoy the changing colors without crowds.
• Best Trails: Nature Trail Loop
• More information: https://www.kingsburyparkdistrict.com/content/20724/Nature-Preserve-

8. Horner Park

• Location: Lebanon, IL
• Highlights: A charming local park with wooded trails that are especially beautiful in the fall. It’s an ideal place for a peaceful walk, and the open spaces mixed with forested areas make for excellent leaf viewing. Horner Park is a great spot for a quick getaway into nature while being close to town.
• Best Trails: Trillium Trail
• More information: https://hornerparkdistrict.org/trillium-trail/