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The Atlas/Illinois/Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

A National Forest Service site in the Shawnee National Forest near Herod, IL, where 300-million-year-old sandstone formations rise above the forest canopy. The 0.25-mile observation trail leads to a ridgeline overlook with long views over the forested hills of southern Illinois — the most-visited overlook in the Shawnee. Parking, vault toilets, and picnic tables are on site at 1 Picnic Rd, Herod, IL 62947. The wilderness boundary prohibits motorcycles on trails, but the roads in and around the recreation area are open and accessible.

Illinois
Region
Viewpoint
Stop type
Standalone stop
Atlas
// Why riders stop

The anchor destination of southern Illinois riding. The approach roads through the Shawnee — especially IL-145 and the forest roads off Karbers Ridge — are the reason riders make the trip; the Garden overlook is the payoff. Free access, no admission.

// Rider photos

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