Red Cedar Hiking Trail - Red Cedar Falls, Illinois Ozarks Travel Guide

The Red Cedar Hiking Trail provides a unique opportunity to experience the wilder side of Giant City State Park. This 12-mile loop, completed in April 1979, was constructed by park staff and the International Young Adult Conservation Corps. The trail immerses hikers in the park's diverse natural beauty, including oak-hickory forests, rocky creeks, and sandstone bluffs.Designed for those seeking a more rustic experience, the trail features dirt single-track conditions with rocky and rooted areas. Several creek crossings add to the challenge, and can be difficult to navigate during wetter months. The trail also includes challenging rolling hills.Along the way, hikers can explore the Red Cedar Campground, a primitive camping area specifically designed for backpackers. A permit is required to camp. The trail also intersects with the River to River Trail, a 160-mile regional trail.Giant City State Park itself boasts a rich history, with sandstone formations created by ancient oceans, earthquakes, and erosion. Native Americans inhabited the area in early archaic times, followed by the Late Woodland and Mississippian cultures. During the Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped develop the park, constructing trails and the Giant City Lodge.