Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 1 at 1:40PM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...Dangerously hot conditions with daily heat index values peaking up to around 110 degrees. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...Until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged extreme heat and high humidity events.
Lane reduction on bridge near IL Iron Furnace
Big Creek BridgeBig Creek Bridge, which carries County Road 12 over Big Creek, near the Iron Furnace recreation site in Hardin County, is reduced to a single central lane due to deteriorating bridge conditions. Motorists should slow down when approaching and traveling over the bridge. For your…
Trigg Tower temporarily closed
Trigg Tower on the Shawnee National Forest will temporarily close this month for necessary repairs. Weather permitting, contractors will begin work May 11, temporarily closing the tower and parking area to visitors. Repairs are expected to take approximately one month, no more than 90 days.Repairs…
Overview
Garden of the Gods Recreation Area is located in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois and is currently open year-round. The site features the popular quarter-mile Observation Trail with spectacular sandstone rock formations including Camel Rock, Table Rock, and Devil's Smokestack, plus panoramic views of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. There is currently an active alert: water is temporarily unavailable at the recreation area, so bring your own water. The Pharaoh Campground offers 12 primitive campsites ($10/night, cash or check only) with fire grills, tables, and vault toilets. The picnic area and Observation Trail are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The campground is open year-round. Cell phone coverage is spotty to non-existent. Overnight parking is allowed at the Backpacker's Parking Lot (Indian Point Trailhead) for wilderness access. Be aware of poison ivy and venomous snakes. No permit required for entering or camping in the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. Pets must be on leash.
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