Garden of the Gods

Follow a quarter-mile sandstone trail across the bluffs to rock formations like Camel Rock and views over the Shawnee Hills.

Off Karbers Ridge Rd via Forest Rd, Shawnee National Forest · Herod, IL

About Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is a sandstone landscape in the Shawnee National Forest, eroded into hoodoos, cliffs and overlooks. The quarter-mile Observation Trail, with interpretive signs, climbs onto the bluffs, where you can pick out Camel Rock, Table Rock and Devil's Smokestack. Camel Rock appeared on a 2016 U.S. quarter. Longer hikes, including the River to River Trail, run into the surrounding wilderness, and Pharaoh Campground has 12 sites open year round.

#rock formations
#hiking
#national forest
#scenic overlook
#camping

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What's around here?

The closest stops to Garden of the Gods, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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