Red Cedar Trail: A Backcountry Experience in Giant City State Park

Red Cedar Trail is a hidden gem within Giant City State Park, near Makanda, Illinois, offering a more primitive, backcountry experience. Completed in 1979, this 12-mile loop trail is designed to provide a longer hiking option and distribute foot traffic across a wider area of the park. The trail is considered moderately rugged, with approximately 1,200 feet of elevation gain, making it a good choice for both experienced hikers and novice backpackers preparing for more challenging trips.The trail winds through a variety of terrains, including oak-hickory forests, rocky creeks, and sandstone bluffs and shelters, showcasing the diverse natural beauty of Southern Illinois. Keep an eye out for the white diamond blazes with red dots to stay on course, as the trail also intersects with old roadbeds, a horse trail, and the River-to-River Trail.One of the highlights of the Red Cedar Trail is the primitive campground located roughly in the middle of the loop. This campground, accessible about 7 miles counterclockwise from the trailhead, offers a few campsites equipped with grills and picnic tables. A permit is required to camp and can be obtained from the Giant City Welcome Center or the main campground.While hiking, be prepared to cross creeks, which may be intermittent or flowing depending on recent rainfall. After periods of heavy rain, hikers may even be rewarded with views of Red Cedar Falls, though the trail to the waterfall is not maintained. The trail is best enjoyed in early spring when wildflowers bloom or in winter when the leaves are down, offering better visibility.