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Devil's Standtable Nature Trail: A Geological Wonder

Hike to the iconic mushroom rock formation at Devil's Standtable Nature Trail in Giant City State Park, a geological wonder in Illinois.

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The Devil's Standtable Nature Trail, located in Giant City State Park near Makanda, Illinois, is a short but captivating hike showcasing unique sandstone formations, including the iconic 'mushroom rock'. This trail offers a glimpse into the geological history of the region and the natural beauty of Southern Illinois.

A brief summary to Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail

  • Makanda, Illinois, 62958, US

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes due to the rocky and uneven terrain.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
  • Check trail conditions before your visit, especially after heavy rain, as some areas may be muddy.
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Getting There

  • Car

    To reach Devil's Standtable Nature Trail by car, enter Giant City State Park from Giant City Road. Follow the park road to the designated parking area for the trail, approximately 3 miles from the entrance. Parking is free. From the parking area, follow the marked trail to the Devil's Standtable.

  • Walking

    If you are already within Giant City State Park, locate the visitor center or the main parking area. From there, follow the clearly marked trail signs leading to the Devil's Standtable Nature Trail. It's a scenic walk that should take approximately 15-30 minutes. There is no fee for walking.

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Discover more about Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail

The Devil's Standtable Nature Trail is a must-see destination within Giant City State Park, Illinois, offering visitors a close encounter with a remarkable geological formation. The trail is a short, moderately challenging path that leads to the Devil's Standtable, a mushroom-shaped sandstone pillar sculpted by millennia of wind and rain. As you embark on the trail, you'll be surrounded by towering bluffs, lush forests, and the serene atmosphere of the Shawnee National Forest. The trail itself is relatively short, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels. Along the way, keep an eye out for the diverse plant and animal life that call this area home. The highlight of the trail is, of course, the Devil's Standtable itself. This impressive rock formation was once part of a larger bluff that cracked and separated over time. The softer sandstone in the middle eroded more quickly than the iron-embedded cap, creating the distinctive mushroom shape. The name 'Devil's Standtable' comes from the rock's resemblance to a pulpit, leading early settlers to imagine it as a place where the devil might preach. Beyond the Standtable, the trail also features a large rock shelter, a cave-like overhang in the bluffs that provided shelter for Native Americans. Look for small pieces of chert or flint along the drip line of the bluffs, remnants of prehistoric toolmaking. The bluffs facing south or southwest have different climatic conditions than those facing north. Be cautious of steep cliffs and slippery sandstone, and stay on designated trails. Poison ivy and copperhead snakes are also present in the area.

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