📷 Photo by Omer Nezih Gerek on UnsplashShawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills
Sandstone canyons, a giant cross, the Garden of the Gods and a pirate cave on the Ohio River.
- Distance
- approx. 243 km (151 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 42 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- States
- IL
- Best time to go
- May and September–October
- Tolls and vignettes
- ≈ $2
- Updated
- April 24, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 243 km (151 mi) with 8 stops, from Carbondale to Metropolis. About 2 h 42 min of driving in total. Best time to go: May and September–October. Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (IL).
More road trips in Illinois
Photos along the route
Route description
Southern Illinois looks nothing like the prairie in the north. Start in Carbondale, a university town, and drive west to the Little Grand Canyon, a loop trail down a sandstone box canyon; it is steep and slippery after rain.
Head south along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail to Alto Pass and the Bald Knob Cross, a huge white cross with views over the forest, then east to Giant City State Park, with its sandstone “streets” and stone lodge.
Follow State Road 13 and 34 east to the Garden of the Gods, where a short flagstone trail winds among wind-carved rock formations; come for sunset. From here, it’s a short drive to Cave-in-Rock State Park, a riverside cave once used by river pirates; a free car ferry crosses to Kentucky.
Finish on the Ohio River at Metropolis, where a Superman statue stands in front of the courthouse. Spring (with dogwoods) and October are ideal; summers are hot and humid, and ticks are common in the woods.
Which stops are on Shawnee National Forest?
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Carbondale
IL - 220 km
Little Grand Canyon
NatureMurphysboro, ILA three-mile loop trail drops through a sandstone box canyon and climbs to bluff views over the Big Muddy River bottoms. Steep and slick after rain.
- 318 km
Bald Knob Cross of Peace
OdditiesAlto Pass, ILA 111-foot white cross on one of the highest hills in southern Illinois, with wide views over the Shawnee Hills and nearby wine trail.
- 416 km
Giant City State Park
NatureMakanda, ILHuge sandstone blocks form “streets” in the forest, with a stone lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
- 586 km
Garden of the Gods
NatureHerod, ILWind-sculpted sandstone formations above the Shawnee National Forest, reached by a short flagstone trail with sweeping views at sunset.
- 629 km
Cave-in-Rock State Park
HistoryCave-in-Rock, ILA large river cave on the Ohio River once used by pirates who robbed flatboats. A free car ferry crosses to Kentucky next to the park.
- 774 km
Superman Statue
OdditiesMetropolis, ILA 15-foot painted bronze Superman in front of the courthouse in the self-proclaimed hometown of the hero, with a small museum across the street.
- 80 km
Metropolis
IL
How do you drive Shawnee National Forest in 3 days?
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Carbondale → Giant City State Park · 34 mi · 0 h 36 minOn the way: Little Grand Canyon, Bald Knob Cross of Peace.Overnight nearby, for example: Crab Orchard Campground (10 mi); Little Grassy Campground & Marina (4 mi).
- Day 2: Giant City State Park → Cave-in-Rock State Park · 71 mi · 1 h 16 minOn the way: Garden of the Gods.Overnight nearby, for example: Tower Rock Campsite (4 mi); Camp Cadiz Campground (9 mi).
- Day 3: Cave-in-Rock State Park → Metropolis · 46 mi · 0 h 49 minOn the way: Superman Statue.Overnight nearby, for example: Oak Point Campground (18 mi); Paducah RV Park & Campground (16 mi).
When is the best time for Shawnee National Forest?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Hot in July. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
More routes for the best months
Practical guides for this route
Photo by Malivez on UnsplashDriving in the US: The Rules European Visitors Most Often Get Wrong at the Wheel
Photo by Aleksandr Dalakian on UnsplashFuel, Tolls and Distances: Practical US Driving Math for Motorhome and Camper Travelers
Photo by Tracy Zhang on UnsplashUS national parks: entry fees, passes and reservations in plain terms
Themes
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FAQs
How long is Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills?
3-day road trip of about 243 km (151 mi) with 8 stops, from Carbondale to Metropolis. About 2 h 42 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 42 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills start and end?
It starts in Carbondale and ends in Metropolis.
Which states does Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills pass through?
Illinois.
Where can you camp along Shawnee National Forest: southern Illinois hills?
OpenStreetMap lists 61 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 19 mi of the stops on this route. For example: Crab Orchard Campground, Williams Pass & OHV Park and Oak Point Campground.
How much are the tolls on Shawnee National Forest?
Tolls and vignettes for a car: about $2 (IL). Estimate with typical rates; motorhomes pay more, and vehicles over 3.5 t often pay by distance.
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