10 Easy Summer Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois
Are you looking for easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois?
Many people decide not to hike in the summer because they imagine all the trails are in bad shape and covered in biting bugs. As a result, they miss out. Don’t miss out on the beauty of hiking in southern Illinois during the summer months.
In this article, I’ll show you 10 great spots for easy summer hiking in Southern Illinois so that you can get out there and start enjoying just like the rest of us are.
How are these Easy Summer Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois?
The following trails are considered easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois based on three factors: Difficulty, use, and undergrowth.
In terms of difficulty, I’m listing trails that are considered easy to moderately easy. These trails lack steep rolling hills, technical terrain, hard creek crossings, and rugged conditions.
For use, I’m targeting trails that get enough use in the summer that they’re maintained enough to enjoy without having to feel like you’re hiking off trail.
Undergrowth is related to use. For easier trails listed in this article, you can expect less undergrowth, which means less sticker bushes, stinging nettle, and poison ivy you have to hike through just to enjoy the trail.
1 – Lake Murphysboro
Lake Murphysboro offers a pleasant loop trail that spans approximately 2 miles of hiking.
It is considered moderately easy.
This trail will take you through the forest surrounding the lake, offering views of the lake, various wildflowers, and wildlife habitats, including birds. It will also provide you with various glimpses of the campground by the lake.
This trail is used enough in the summer to make it a good addition to the easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois.
2 – Giant City Nature Trail
This is one of my favorite easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois.
It’s a loop trail that consists of approximately 1 mile in total length. It’s considered easy to moderately easy by some.
You get to see a lot on this trail, too. There are old carvings from the Civil War era. There are plenty of bluffs, waterfalls, and natural shelters, too. There is even a cool hanging boulder that you walk under.
This is a trail that I’ve enjoyed hiking on repeatedly throughout my hiking experience.
3 – Rocky Bluff Trail
Rocky Bluff Trail is a great trail to hike in the middle of the summer when you’re looking for something to do.
It’s a loop trail, approximately 2 miles in length, and it’s considered moderately easy.
Please note that a required parking pass is required for this trail, as it’s located on National Wildlife Refuge property. You can visit the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center to obtain a day pass or an annual pass. I suggest you bring cash for this.
On this route, you’ll see amazing waterfalls, wildflowers, signs of previous settlement, scenic creeks and bluffs, and cool natural shelters.
4 – Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve
Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve is a great addition to the easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois due to the ease of this hike.
This hike consists of a loop with multiple out-and-back sections along the trail. It is about 2.5 miles in length. It’s very easy to hike.
For the most part, this is a nice hike through the woods. While there are no bluffs or waterfalls, there are pretty creeks and a diverse forest that you can learn about while you hike.
5 – Quetil Trail
Quetil Trail is located in the quiet but lovely town of Alto Pass, Illinois.
It’s a 2-mile out-and-back trail that is very easy to hike.
Along this trail, you’ll see amazing bluffs, left behind history on an old railroad past, and there are even places to stop and rest along the way.
You can also take a more challenging trail up to the top for a scenic overlook of Bald Knob Wilderness and the cross, or you can drive to Cliff View Park for easier access.
6 – Heron Pond Trail
Heron Pond is the trail that started Hiking with Shawn.
This is an easy lollipop trail, meaning an out-and-back connected to a loop trail. It’s around 2.5 miles in length, and it’s moderately easy to hike.
This is a preserved swamp and wetlands, which was a common environment back in the old days before people started settling in the region. You’ll see a swampland, walk on top of a swamp using a boardwalk, and even see a large oak tree.
Remember – this is a swamp, and while the trail is easy to hike, the area is covered with biting flies and mosquitoes. There are often more bugs here than anywhere else, so bring plenty of bug spray.
This area is also home to many snakes, many of which are venomous, and you will likely encounter them.
7 – Hawks Cave Trail
Hawks Cave is one of the best easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois for many reasons.
This is a very easy 1-mile loop trail located within Ferne Clyffe State Park.
You’ll see waterfalls, bluffs, and even the largest natural shelter on public land in all of Southern Illinois.
8 – Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
The observation trail at Garden of the Gods is the most visited trail in the Shawnee National Forest.
It’s a very easy loop trail that is less than a mile in length.
You’ll see amazing rock formations such as Camel Rock, which is featured on the back of a US quarter. There are also amazing scenic overlooks.
In the summer months, you can expect this place to be busy. For more parking availability and fewer people, consider going through the week and early in the day, if possible.
Everyone should hike this trail at least once, as there is so much to see on such a short route. Please exercise caution here, as people have fallen to their deaths.
9 – Rim Rock Trail
Rim Rock Trail offers several different hiking opportunities to make summer hiking enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities.
There is a loop on top that is very easy and about a mile in length. There are out-and-back sections going to the bottom that lead you to Ox Lot Cave and even Pounds Hollow Beach, where you can swim for free.
There are many things to see along the trail at Rim Rock, including a Native American Stone Fort, scenic creeks, scenic overlooks, natural shelters, and numerous amazing bluffs.
This can be another popular spot in the summer, so consider visiting early or mid-week to encounter fewer people and have more parking availability.
10 – Tunnel Hill State Trail
Tunnel Hill State Trail is a great addition to the easy summer hiking trail in Southern Illinois.
I suggest hiking out-and-back from the trailhead located at the village of Tunnel Hill. This will give you 5 miles of easy out-and-back hiking, and you’ll see the best features the trail has to offer.
You’ll get to enjoy hiking through the 500+ foot tunnel (feels like an air conditioner in the summer). You’ll get to stop at Sandburn Junction for ice cream and snacks (cash only). You’ll also get to see the largest trestle (Breeden Trestle) if you hike the full 5 miles out-and-back.
You also have the option of biking the trail.
Finals Thoughts
There are many great, easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois to choose from. You really don’t have any excuse not to enjoy hiking in the summer if you’re able to do it. You’re missing out if you choose not to.
What are some of your favorite easier hikes in Southern Illinois during the summer months? I’d love to know!
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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.
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Shawn Gossman
Founder, Hiking with Shawn
Howdy folks! My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. I’m an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman
