Much of the epic landscape of the American West features breathtaking canyon systems, with many dominating the terrain of iconic national and state parks. The East Coast, however, is not devoid of beautiful canyon systems either. Appalachian marvels like Pennsylvania’s “Grand Canyon” of Pine Creek Gorge are similarly magnificent wonders, even if they don’t reach quite the dimensions of their western counterparts. And yet, while both the east and west are known to have picturesque canyon systems, the infamously flat Midwest is generally seen as barren of all but flat landscapes. This stereotype, however, is mistaken. All across the Midwest, intrepid travelers can find splendid networks of canyons, valleys, and related geological formations, none perhaps quite as underrated as Illinois’ surprisingly scenic Dixon Springs State Park.
Dixon Springs sits in southern Illinois’ Pope County, a roughly six-hour drive from the towering skyscrapers of Chicago, near the state’s tri-border with Kentucky and Missouri. This part of the state defies the flat Midwestern trope as it stretches into a sizable sandstone bedrock near the outer edges of the Ozarks. Much of the area features complexes of hills, valleys, and scenic forests that you probably wouldn’t expect to find in the Midwest. Within this overlooked part of the country, Dixon Springs State Park stands out with a brilliant tapestry of rocky canyons, waterfalls, and wildlife-rich forests that combine into one of the state’s best hiking destinations.
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Discover Southern Illinois’ beauty in Dixon Springs State Park
Sandstone bluff in Ghost Dance Canyon in Dixon Springs State Park in Illinois – Wildnerdpix/Shutterstock
Dixon Springs State Park sits in an under-the-radar scenic area of southern Illinois known as the Shawnee Hills. As the name suggests, the Shawnee Hills are a hilly region characterized by a vast sandstone foundation that has been sculpted by wind, rain, and time. Sitting too far south to experience the distinctive glacial erosion brought on by the last Ice Age, the Shawnee Hills instead display a much more dramatic range of cliffs, gorges, and pocky pinnacles that look more like the landscapes of Utah than the Midwest. The region’s forests are also among the most biodiverse in both Illinois and the Midwest as a whole, with examples of upland, bottomland, and woodland forests, as well as barrens, glades, caves, and other types of habitats.
The most prominent public land preserve in the Shawnee Hills is the federally-administered Shawnee National Forest, which protects natural wonders like the scenic Garden of the Gods Wilderness and its idyllic trails. However, Dixon Springs State Park boasts an equally stunning showcase of the region’s ancient geological beauty, with some of the best opportunities to tour the gigantic 315-million-year-old chunk of sandstone that underlies the entire area.
Topography-wise, Dixon Springs State Park has a comprehensive collection of overhanging cliffs, crags, boulders, and precipitous gorges, much of it bisected by natural springs. The park’s hilly and rocky terrain, combined with consistent Midwest rains, produces several gorgeous waterfalls that may decorate the park on any given day. Complementing all of these features is a rich canopy of centuries-old trees, ferns, and other types of flora. The centerpiece of Dixon Springs’ geological wonders is undoubtedly the striking Ghost Dance Canyon, which presides in the heart of the park with monolithic boulders and scintillating waterfalls.
Experience great hikes in Dixon Springs State Park, Illinois
Dixon Springs State Park waterfall and bridge, Illinois – chloeoncreativemode/Shutterstock
While its terrain is rough, Dixon Springs State Park is nonetheless one of Illinois’ most scenic hiking destinations, with trails that cover many of the top sights in the Shawnee Hills. For example, the Ghost Dance Canyon Trail is a moderately challenging 0.6-mile hike that takes hikers past its namesake geological wonder and a photogenic waterfall, despite its short length. Elsewhere in the park, the Oak Trail, Bluff Trail, and Pine Trail converge in an easy 2-mile nature hike loop through enchanting forests and waterways.
While Dixon Springs State Park is one of the best wilderness preserves in the Illinois state park system, it is not barren of modern amenities. In addition to its pristine natural setting, Dixon Springs also (remarkably) contains a swimming pool, a waterslide, and even modern concession stands. The park’s perfect combination of natural beauty and modern amenities makes it an ideal camping destination as well. Currently, Dixon Springs State Park offers an RV- and trailer-friendly camping area that includes electrical hookups and a dumping station, as well as a more primitive tent camping area and a youth group campsite.
Beyond these charming amenities, Dixon Springs State Park is also within a larger community of natural and historical attractions across the Shawnee Hills region. This part of what is now southern Illinois served as a major thoroughfare for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. And today, Dixon Springs State Park is a part of a larger network of Lewis and Clark historic trails. Dixon Springs is also quite close to many of Illinois’ most charming small towns. This includes Illinois’ oldest river town in the historic community of Golconda, where you can find historic homes, lovely Ohio River views, and cozy lodging options.
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Read the original article on Islands.