Little Grand Canyon

Little Grand Canyon in Shawnee National Forest near Pomona and Murphysboro, Illinois, is a deep, rocky ravine with a creek bed, lush bottomland forest and seasonal waterfalls. The loop trail is listed at 3 to 3.6 miles, or about 5 to 6 km. It was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The Forest Service rates it moderate to difficult and gives 3 to 3.5 hours; spring and fall are considered the best times to visit.

Steps in the rocky creek beds lead down into the canyon, and the trail gains more than 400 feet (about 120 m) overall. From the overlooks above, according to Enjoy Illinois, you look out over the Big Muddy River, Turkey Bayou and the Missouri bluffs across the Mississippi. The smooth rock is slippery even when dry and more so after rain, and flash floods are a risk in the canyon. The Forest Service warns about poison ivy and about copperheads, cottonmouths and timber rattlesnakes. Bring plenty of water, because the area is remote. The parking lot is at the end of the access road that branches off Hickory Ridge Road. It also has accessible restrooms and a picnic area with grills.