The Top 10 Natural Monuments in Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest’s landscape is a beautiful place to explore — something that you can best experience by visiting one of our 10
beautiful natural monuments in Shawnee National Forest. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!
beautiful natural monuments in Shawnee National Forest. To help you find the one for, you can see all the details you need to explore the best natural monuments, and better plan your next outdoor adventure!
Last updated: November 13, 2025
Chalk Bluff Overlook
Highlight • Viewpoint
From here, you have beautiful nature views far into the distance. This is a great spot to stop for a break before continuing on. This viewpoint can be reached from the Little Grand Canyon trailhead via a moderate hiking trail.
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Ferne Clyffe State Park
Highlight • Forest
Set in the lush Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois, Ferne Clyffe State Park spreads across roughly 2,430 acres just south of Goreville and offers a rich mix of forest, bluffs, …
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Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
Highlight • Natural Monument
This portion of the River to River Trail wends into the Garden of the Gods — a stunning collection of sandstone formations, sprouting out of the forest as if they …
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River to River Trail (Garden of the Gods)
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
This portion of the River to River Trail wends into the Garden of the Gods — a stunning collection of sandstone formations, sprouting out of the forest as if they …
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Giant City State Park
Highlight • Natural Monument
Giant City State Park has some dramatically beautiful scenery, with massive chunks of sandstone set against a lush forest. There are plenty of trails for hiking and other uses, including …
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