Red Cedar Backpacking Trip Video Guide

This summer, we backpacked the Red Cedar Trail at Giant City State Park in Southern Illinois. We took a two-day, one-night backpacking trip and also completed the Red Cedar Challenge during our stay.

What You’ll See Along the Red Cedar Trail

This is what you can expect while backpacking the Red Cedar Trail at Giant City State Park:

• There is a lot of bluffage along this trail that you won’t ever see unless you hike this trail.
• There is a diversity of different trails, such as old roads, singletrack, and more.
• This trail is reminiscent of the wilderness of Giant City State Park and is often the quietest and least used trail in the entire park.

Quick Facts About the Red Cedar Trail

• Trail Name: Red Cedar Trail
• Distance: 12 miles, loop
• Time: 5+ Hours
• Difficulty: Moderately Rugged
• Parking: Google Maps Link

Pro Tip for Hiking on the Red Cedar Trail

If it’s really hot and humid, you can cache water at the primitive campground off Shiloh Road. Just be sure to hide it and pick it back up after you’re done. Leave No Trace. The campground has no water, and summers in Southern Illinois are usually drought-stricken.

Related Guides for the Red Cedar Trail at Giant City State Park

• Red Cedar Trail Guide by Hiking with Shawn
• Red Cedar Backpacking Guide by Hiking with Shawn

Before You Go…

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