Information
Landmark: Little Grand CanyonCity: Carbondale
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Little Grand Canyon, Carbondale, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Tucked inside the Shawnee National Forest near Murphysboro, Illinois, the Little Grand Canyon cuts a dramatic sweep of cliffs and ravines into the landscape.This box canyon bursts with rugged sandstone cliffs, deep green forests, and waterfalls that spill down in spring, all alive with a mix of wildlife.Named a National Natural Landmark in 1980, the Little Grand Canyon invites hikers to explore southern Illinois’s striking sandstone cliffs and rich, varied wildlife.The Little Grand Canyon sits in southern Illinois, tucked deep inside the sprawling Shawnee National Forest where sandstone bluffs rise above the trees.The canyon sits just off Hickory Ridge Road, a few miles south of Murphysboro, easy to reach for day-trippers and anyone eager to lace up their hiking boots.This stretch of land lies within a vast protected forest, where soft hills roll into winding river valleys and the air hums with life from countless ecosystems.Geology and Landscape
The canyon cuts deep and narrow through layers of sandstone, its walls rising steeply like sun-warmed towers.Over thousands of years, rushing water and relentless wind carved the canyon’s walls into towering cliffs, sharp overhangs, and stone steps worn smooth underfoot.The sandstone glows with earthy tones, shifting from pale tan to a deep rust red, like sun-warmed rock along the canyon floor.At the canyon floor, a narrow creek winds past smooth stones, spilling into seasonal waterfalls that tumble over ledges when spring rains swell its flow.Rocky ground, glinting streams, and thick forest weave together to form a small, vibrant haven teeming with life.The Little Grand Canyon Trail stretches about 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometers), with climbs that leave your legs burning and rocky patches that keep you watching every step.The trail starts at a small trailhead off Hickory Ridge Road, then winds around into a full loop.The trail winds through sharp climbs and drops, over stone steps laid by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and across creeks where you might hear water rushing over smooth rocks.The trail plunges about 350 feet into the canyon, past sun-warmed rocks, before winding steeply back up-tough going, but worth every step.White diamond blazes guide you along the trail, leading through shady woods, across rough stone, and out to sunlit overlooks.Most hikers finish the loop in about three to four hours, though a slower pace-or pausing to watch the wind ripple across the lake-can stretch it longer.From several spots along the rim, you can take in wide, sweeping views of the Big Muddy River valley and, beyond it, the Mississippi River floodplain-its silver water glinting in the sun.In spring rains, water spills over sandstone shelves, turning seasonal waterfalls into a striking part of the landscape.Flora: The canyon shelters a rich mix of plants-towering beech, sycamore, and oak trees, delicate ferns, bright wildflowers, and soft moss clinging to damp rocks in the cool shade.You’ll often spot white-tailed deer stepping through the brush, wild turkeys strutting across open fields, red-tailed hawks circling overhead, a chorus of songbirds in the trees, and smaller mammals like squirrels and raccoons rustling in the leaves.You’ll find a small gravel lot right at the trailhead, with plenty of space to pull in before you start your walk.During peak season, the place can pack up fast, so it’s best to get there early-before the chairs are all taken.You’ll find simple amenities near the trailhead-pit toilets and a few picnic tables-but no drinking water, so pack your own.Spring and fall are the perfect seasons to visit, with gentle breezes, bursts of red and gold in the trees, and waterfalls roaring at full strength.Summer swelters with heavy, sticky air, while winter settles in with a crisp, hushed beauty.Watch your step-the trail has steep, slick stretches, especially by roaring waterfalls and along worn stone steps, so sturdy hiking boots are a must.Hikers need to watch where they step and steer clear of cliff edges, especially where loose gravel crunches underfoot.Camping: You won’t find campgrounds inside the Little Grand Canyon, but Turkey Bayou Campground and Devil’s Backbone Park are close by, offering everything from simple tent sites under the pines to more developed spots with handy amenities.Photography: Nature photographers flock to the canyon, drawn by its towering cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and bursts of red and gold along the rock face.In the quiet hush of the forest, bird watchers and nature lovers can spot everything from bright flash-of-yellow warblers to shy deer moving through the trees.Tucked inside Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest, the Little Grand Canyon treats visitors to sweeping sandstone cliffs, winding trails, and a window into the land’s ancient geological story.This tough but rewarding trail winds through breathtaking landscapes, from cool, shadowy sandstone gorges to ridges thick with pine, where the river sprawls far below.Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers will find southern Illinois a standout place to explore, with trails that wind past sandstone bluffs and quiet creeks for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
