Giant City Nature Trail: A Journey Through Time and Stone
Explore the ancient 'Streets of Giant City,' a natural maze of towering bluffs in Illinois' Giant City State Park. A unique hiking adventure!
Hike through the 'Streets of Giant City,' a unique landscape of massive sandstone bluffs formed over 12,000 years ago in Giant City State Park. This popular trail offers a moderate, mile-long loop through narrow passageways and past balanced rocks, showcasing the area's rich geological history and natural beauty.
A brief summary to Giant City Nature Trail
- Cobden, Illinois, 62920, US
Local tips
- Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction, as the sandstone can be slippery, and the trail has some rugged sections.
- Bring water, especially during warmer months, to stay hydrated while hiking.
- Visit the Giant City State Park Visitor Center to pick up a map and learn about the park's history, geology, and wildlife.
- Be aware of potential hazards such as copperhead snakes and ticks, and stay on marked trails.
Getting There
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Driving
From Carbondale, Illinois, head south on US-51. Turn right onto IL-13 W/E Main St, then turn right onto Giant City Road. Follow Giant City Road for approximately 8 miles until you reach Giant City State Park. Continue on Giant City Road for about 2 miles until you reach the park entrance at 235 Giant City Rd, Makanda, IL 62958. Once inside the park, follow signs to the Giant City Nature Trail, located near shelters 2 and 3. Parking is available near the trailhead. A day-use parking fee of $5 per vehicle may be required.
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Walking
From the Giant City Lodge, head north on Giant City Road. Turn right at the first cross street onto Park Rd. Continue to follow Park Rd, and turn right, then left onto the parking lot near Shelter #2 or Shelter #3. Follow the wooden bridge and gravel path uphill to the trail loop. The Giant City Nature Trail is a short walk from the lodge. There are no additional costs for walking to the trail.
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