Illinois River
It’s the climb. Fifteen great places in Illinois to hike hills, climb mountains, explore caves and see amazing bluffs, cliffs and waterfalls. Whether you are in Carbondale, Chicago, Peoria, Rockford or Springfield; here are scenic parks and forests that offer elevation and beautiful vistas.
sunlight canyon
There are wheel-friendly trails at some of the parks and forests. Parks and forests allow pets so look for signs at the park, because they may need to be on a leash. Sometimes bad weather occurs and trails are closed, so check before you travel.
canyon trail
Grab your gear and get ready to hit the trail. Here is a list of places to visit:
1. Apple River Canyon State Park
Activities: camping, fishing, hiking (five trails), sledding, stargazing
Location: Apple River, Ill.
Lodging: campsites in Canyon Ridge camping area
What to see: canyon, limestone bluffs, River, historic Galena, and the park is a popular location for astronomers
Activities: camping, hiking (two trails), fishing
Location: Ottawa, Ill.
Lodging: campsites at the park
What to see: Illinois River; Effigy Tumuli mound sculptures; sandstone bluffs, and nearby Illinois Waterway Visitors Center for information great waterfowl photographs. Pecumsaugan Creek-Blackball Mines is located near it, with dolomite cliffs; there are tours of the mine with a large bat colony.
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (six trails), hunting
Location: Oregon, Ill.
Lodging: campsites at park
What to see: Castle Rock, Rock River, St. Peter sandstone cliffs, Rock River, and a 50-foot statute dedicated to Chief Black Hawk statue in nearby Lowden Memorial State Park
4. Cave in the Rock State Park
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (two trails)
Location: Cave-in-Rock, Ill.
Lodging: cabins, camp and RV sites
What to see: fifty-five foot cave, bluffs, and ferry boat rides on the Ohio River
Activities: camping, hiking (two trails), swimming
Location: Golconda, Ill.
Lodging: camp and RV sites
What to see: Illinois Ozark Mountains, mineral springs, Album Rock, Alligator Rock, Lover’s Leap, Pluto’s Cave, and Glen Lake
Activities: camping, fishing, hiking (ten trails), hunting, rock climbing
Location: Goreville, Ill.
Lodging: camp sites
What to see: Hawk’s Cave, Rocky Hollow, waterfalls, Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge, and Little Grassy Lake
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing
Location: Makanda, Ill.
Lodging: cabins, camp sites, horse camping, lodge, RV sites
What to see: giant sandstone cliffs that it was named for, Devil’s Kitchen, Little Grassy Lake and Crab Orchard Lake
8. Hidden Springs State Forests
Activities: camping, fishing, hiking (three trails), hunting
Location: Strasburg, Ill.
Lodging: camp sites
What to see: Lake Shelbyville, Park Pond, Richland Creek, Chautauqua Auditorium, General Dacey Trail and Memorial Sunken Garden
Activities: boating, fishing, hiking horseback riding, model airplane flying
Location: Utica, Ill.
Lodging: none at park
What to see: Upper and Lower Dells, waterfalls, Vermillion River and a golf course
10. Mississippi Palisades State Park
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (five trails), hunting, rock climbing
Location: Savanna, Ill.
Lodging: camp and RV sites
What to see: Mississippi River, Ozzies Point, Louis Point, and Mt. Carroll Historic District
Activities: biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting
Location: Grafton, Ill.
Lodging: cabins, camp and RV sites, lodge
What to see: Illinois River, bald eagles, River Road
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (four trails), horseback riding, hunting
Location: Summer, Ill.
Lodging: camp and RV sites
What to see: Chauncey Marsh, Red Hill, and Red Hills Lake
Activities: biking, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, rock climbing, and swimming
Location: Harrisburg, Ill.
Lodging: camp sites
What to see: Just a few include the Illinois Ozarks Mountains, Little Grand Canyon, Burden Falls Wilderness, Pounds Hollow Lake, Ox-Lot Cave and Garden of the Gods.
Activities: boating, camping, fishing, hiking (twelve trails), horseback riding, hunting
Location: Utica, Ill.
Lodging: cabins, camp and RV sites, lodge
What to see: Starved Rock, Illinois River, waterfalls, and six canyons
15. Trail of Tears State Forest
Activities: camping, hiking, horseback riding, hunting
Location: Jonesboro, Ill.
Lodging: camp and RV sites
What to see: Ozark Hills Nature Preserve and Southern Illinois Wine Trail
There are many other places that have hills and cliffs in Illinois. If you have a favorite Illinois hill country place that is not on this list, feel free to send me a link to in the comments section.
Happy Trails!
Related posts on parks and trails:
Fullersburg Woods and Salt Creek Trail
Illinois & Michigan Canal and Trail
Canoe Communications 
Someday…
Then I’ll take your list. Thanks! 🙂
If you have a list of favorite local walks, feel free to share. I always enjoying learning about new trails and paths. 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by, and for the indoor rock climbing spots for states.
Beautiful photos.
thank you 🙂
My husband and I have stayed at Pere-Marquette State Park several times and love the area. We travel the Great River Road on our motorcycle usually once or twice a month. Great area!
I particularly loved overlooking the Illinois/Mississippi river near Alton, IL. If you climb up that hill, there is college overlooking the bluffs. I also once had the chance to ride a boat down the river in the fall…. it was pure bliss!
I am close to Illinois, but not close enough.. I now wish I was even closer. Love to hike and wander trails. Thanks for visiting my blog and love this information.
There is no camping in Buffalo Park. Never has been. Just a beautiful prairie trail and views of the river, oh and the buffalo lol
There are three rough campgrounds in Buffalo Park accessible by hike or bike, check with staff on rules and fees. 🙂
Lots of options here 🙂
They have different distances to travel with different sights along the way.
You have red hills state park listed as being in summer but it’s actually in sumner, with an N. Just a heads up for anyone who might search the town.
Hey, thanks. 🙂
brilliant speech
Thanks for liking my post, and I love your heading pix. My gosh, it is lovely.
Great photos. We will have to check out some of those trails.
where is plutos cave at Dixon Springs State Park?
it’s either on the 1.7 mile Trail or Ghost Dance Trail, both trails go by canyons