# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b10-shawnee-hills/

**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. Sandstone canyons, a giant cross, the Garden of the Gods and a pirate cave on the Ohio River.

| | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 243 km (151 mi) |
| Driving | 2 h 42 min |
| Suggested days | 3 |
| Stops | 8 |
| Route | Carbondale → Metropolis |
| States | IL |
| Updated | July 12, 2026 |

## 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.

## Stop-by-stop itinerary

1. **Carbondale** (IL)
2. **Little Grand Canyon** (Murphysboro, IL): A 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.
3. **Bald Knob Cross of Peace** (Alto Pass, IL): A 111-foot white cross on one of the highest hills in southern Illinois, with wide views over the Shawnee Hills and nearby wine trail.
4. **Giant City State Park** (Makanda, IL): Huge sandstone blocks form “streets” in the forest, with a stone lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
5. **Garden of the Gods** (Herod, IL): Wind-sculpted sandstone formations above the Shawnee National Forest, reached by a short flagstone trail with sweeping views at sunset.
6. **Cave-in-Rock State Park** (Cave-in-Rock, IL): A 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.
7. **Superman Statue** (Metropolis, IL): A 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.
8. **Metropolis** (IL)

## 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.