Little Grand Canyon: Illinois' Hidden Gem
Explore the rugged beauty of Southern Illinois at Little Grand Canyon, a hidden gem within Shawnee National Forest.
Tucked within Shawnee National Forest near Pomona, Illinois, Little Grand Canyon is a striking and challenging hiking destination. This 3.6-mile loop rewards adventurers with bluff views, a waterfall descent, and a lush canyon floor, offering a taste of the Ozarks in Southern Illinois.
A brief summary to Little Grand Canyon
- Pomona, Illinois, 62975, US
- +1618-253-7114
- Visit website
Local tips
- Hike clockwise from the upper trailhead for a more gradual descent into the canyon and to reach the Main Overlook first.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery, especially near the waterfall cascades.
- Bring insect repellent to protect against biting flies, mosquitoes, and ticks, which are common in the area.
- Visit in April or October to experience the beauty of spring wildflowers or fall colors.
- Take extra precautions and watch each step to avoid accidents due to slick portions and high cliffs.
Getting There
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Driving
Little Grand Canyon is located near Pomona, Illinois, within the Shawnee National Forest. From Carbondale, take Highway 13 west to Highway 127 south. Turn west onto Pomona Road, followed by a turn onto Natural Bridge Road. The trailhead is at the end of Natural Bridge Road. Parking is available at the trailhead. There are no fees to park, but a $5 per vehicle day-use fee may be implemented in the future. Be aware that roads in the Shawnee National Forest may be unpaved and poorly maintained.
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Walking
From the parking area, the Little Grand Canyon Trailhead is easily accessible. The 3.6-mile loop trail begins near the restroom facilities. Follow the signs for the Little Grand Canyon Trail. The trail is well-marked but can be steep and slippery in places. Take caution near the cliffs and waterfalls.
Discover more about Little Grand Canyon
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southern Illinois Historic Preservation
10.1 km
Discover the historical treasures of Southern Illinois at Southern Illinois Historic Preservation, a hub for heritage and culture in Murphysboro.
General John A Logan Museum
10.2 km
Explore the life and legacy of Civil War General John A. Logan at his namesake museum in Murphysboro, Illinois.
Jackson County Historical Society
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Historic Hull House
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Experience Victorian elegance at the Historic Hull House in Murphysboro, a beautifully preserved 1887 Italianate home on the National Register of Historic Places.
Inspiration Point Trailhead
11.4 km
Hike to breathtaking panoramic views of the Mississippi River Valley from atop limestone cliffs in Shawnee National Forest near Wolf Lake, Illinois.
Little Egypt Pediatric Dentistry
14.5 km
Discover exceptional pediatric dental care at Little Egypt Pediatric Dentistry in Carbondale, Illinois, where comfort meets quality for your child's smile.
Southern Illinois University
15.9 km
Explore Southern Illinois University Carbondale: A historic campus with diverse programs, research opportunities, and a strong commitment to community engagement.
R. Buckminster Fuller and Anne Hewlett Dome Home
16.1 km
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Hundley House
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Underground Public House
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Carbondale's gastropub featuring craft meats, local produce, innovative cocktails, and a wide selection of craft beers. Open Wed-Sun!
The Varsity Center
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Carbondale Pavilion
17.0 km
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Historic Bell Hill Wedding Venue
21.6 km
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Red Cedar Hiking Trail - Red Cedar Falls
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Crab Orchard Campground
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Unmissable attractions to see
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail
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Pomona Natural Bridge
6.5 km
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Kinkaid Lake Spillway
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Larue-Pine Hills National Natural Landmark
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Shawnee National Forest
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Peachbarn Winery & Café
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Cliff View Park
15.0 km
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Bald Knob Wilderness
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Bald Knob Cross of Peace
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The University Museum
16.5 km
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Attucks Park
17.9 km
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Feather Hills Vineyard and Winery
18.2 km
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Visions
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Makanda Boardwalk
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Trillium Trail
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Essential places to dine
Mase's Place
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Von Jakob Winery & Brewery
11.3 km
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Longbranch Cafe & Bakery
17.1 km
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Walker's Bluff
24.9 km
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Aces & Eights - Bar, Grill & Gaming
35.6 km
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Red Lobster
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O'Charley's Restaurant & Bar
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20's Hideout Steakhouse
39.0 km
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Goreville Food Market
39.8 km
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El Tequila Mexican Restaurant
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Fazoli's
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Goreville Grill
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Whiffle Boy's Pizza & More
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Sedona Bistro
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The Cross-Eyed Bear
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fresh Foods
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Neighborhood Co-op Grocery
15.0 km
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International Grocery
15.0 km
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TJ's Fine Jewelry & Repair
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Scooter's Coffee
15.7 km
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Blend Tea and Crepe Lounge
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Shawnee Trails Wilderness
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Hollywood 22 inc
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Consume - Carbondale
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The Wellness Center
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Grand Avenue Mall
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Makanda Trading Company
18.5 km
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P B & J
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Makanda General Store
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Makanda Country Store
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Havisham Bourbon Bar
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Key West Bar
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Quatro's Deep Pan Pizza
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Traxx
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Harbaugh's Cafe
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PK’s Bar
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Pagliai's of Carbondale
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Mary Lou's Grill
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Aban Kitchen
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Thai Taste
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The Cellar
16.9 km
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Italian Village
17.0 km
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Global Gourmet
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Tres Hombres Mexican Restaurant and Lounge
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Bandana's Bar-B-Q Carbondale Il
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Club 13
14.7 km
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The Hangar 9
16.9 km
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Linemen's Lounge
44.2 km
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Garden of the Gods
90.0 km
Discover the stunning rock formations and breathtaking views of the Garden of the Gods, a top hiking destination in southern Illinois.
Night Moves
91.8 km
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River City Eagles
95.0 km
Discover the lively nightlife at River City Eagles in Paducah, KY – where great music, drinks, and unforgettable memories await.
NY Lounge
95.1 km
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Brickhouse Discotheque
96.1 km
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Silver Bullet
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The Bully Gorilla Bar
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