30 Places to Hike in Southern Illinois During Hunting Season

Are you looking for places to hike in Southern Illinois during hunting season?

Firearm hunting season in Southern Illinois starts soon. During that time, avoid anywhere there might be hunters. It’s respectful and safer.

The Illinois firearm hunting seasons are on the following days:

• November 22, 23, and 24 (2024) (All Approved Firearms)
• December 5, 6, 7, and 8 (2024) (All Approved Firearms)
• December 13, 14, and 15 (2024) (Muzzleloader Only)

In this guide, I’ll show you 30 different places where you can hike in Southern Illinois during hunting season. Please note the safety tips attached to each destination.

 

Before You Hike in Southern Illinois During Hunting Season

Remember, safety is our top priority when hiking in Southern Illinois during hunting season. Be aware of the area, wear blaze orange for visibility, and always inform someone about your hiking plans before you leave. These measures ensure your safety and peace of mind.

As I said, the private properties attached to these areas will likely allow hunting and will likely have active hunters. Some public land attached to these areas will also allow hunting. Please use common sense when recreating in these areas.

I’ll never tell you to not hike in Southern Illinois during hunting season because that’s silly. However, I will ask that you avoid areas where hunters are for your safety and, most importantly, also to respect hunters who only get a few days a year to be able to hunt. Let’s give them a break.

30 Spots to Hike in Southern Illinois During Hunting Season

While some areas on this list prohibit hunting, it’s important to note that the surrounding properties may allow it. Therefore, exercising caution and wearing blaze orange is advised.

 

1 – Piney Creek Ravine

Piney Creek Ravine (Moderately Rugged) is a picturesque 2-mile lollipop loop trail with steep ravines, waterfalls, and Native American rock art, is a must-visit.

Piney Creek Ravine (Moderately Rugged) is a 2-mile lollipop loop trail with steep ravines, waterfalls, and Native American rock art.

Directions: Google Maps Link

The property around Piney Creek Ravine may have hunters present. If wet, the ravine could be hazardous and require deep creek crossings. Please use caution around high areas. The rock art is under video surveillance.

Head over to Campbell Hill for some Hillbilly’s Pizza. Ava has Brunzeez Café and Gabby’s on Main.

 

2 – Little Grand Canyon

Little Grand Canyon (Rugged) is a 3-mile loop trail with steep ravines, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and views of the Big Muddy River bottoms.

Directions: Google Maps Link

The properties around Little Grand Canyon will likely have hunters. If the area is wet, hiking the canyon portion of the trail may be hazardous. Please use caution around the high areas. During heavier rain, the area in the bottoms is prone to flooding.

Mace’s Place (seasonal) is very good down the road from Little Grand Canyon. Martel’s Pizza and 17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro are also worth checking out.

 

3 – Pomona Natural Bridge

Pomona Natural Bridge (Easy) is a third-of-a-mile lollipop loop trail that features a large natural bridge and waterfalls when the area is wet.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Hunting may be occurring on the property around this hiking trail. Please use caution on the bridge, as falling from it would likely result in serious injuries or death. Also, use caution in areas where the rock may be wet.

Check out Carbondale for great food and a very diverse selection.

 

4 – Green Earth Oakland Nature Preserve

Green Earth Oakland (Easy) is a short trail through a nature preserve that features various woodland environments, wildlife viewing, and interpretive information.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Wear blaze orange when in the area to be safe in case properties around the preserve allow hunting. Please watch your step, use common sense, and Leave No Trace when hiking in this area.

Check out Carbondale for great food and a very diverse selection.

 

5 – Green Earth Pyles Fork Nature Preserve

Pyles Fork Nature Preserve (Easy) provides a nice 1-mile loop trail through the woods where you can view scenes of nature and wildlife.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Wear blaze orange when in the area to be safe in case properties around the preserve allow hunting. Please watch your step, use common sense, and Leave No Trace when hiking in this area.

Check out Carbondale for great food and a very diverse selection.

 

6 – Green Earth Brush Hill Nature Preserve

Brush Hill Nature Preserve (Easy) provides a one-mile loop through a wooded environment that was forever changed by the powerful Derecho on May 8, 2009.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Wear blaze orange when in the area to be safe in case properties around the preserve allow hunting. Please watch your step, use common sense, and Leave No Trace when hiking in this area.

Check out Carbondale for great food and a very diverse selection.

 

7 – Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve

Chautauqua Bottoms (Easy) provides a few miles of hiking trails (loops and out-and-backs) through diverse woodlands, grasslands, and bottomlands.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Wear blaze orange when in the area to be safe in case properties around the preserve allow hunting. Please watch your step, use common sense, and Leave No Trace when hiking in this area.

Check out Carbondale for great food and a very diverse selection.

 

8 – Marberry Arboretum Nature Preserve

Marberry Arboretum (Moderately Rugged) is a short hiking trail that features over 20,000 plants of over 600 species, including natives and non-natives.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Wear blaze orange when in the area to be safe in case properties around the preserve allow hunting. Please watch your step, use common sense, and Leave No Trace when hiking in this area.

Check out Carbondale for great food and a very diverse selection.

 

9 – Giant City Trillium Trail

Trillium Trail (Moderately Rugged) is a 1-mile loop trail that features rare native plants, large bluffs, and scenic overlooks.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Giant City Lodge and the Village of Makanda for dining and snack options.

 

10 – Giant City Nature Trail

Nature Trail (Moderately Rugged) is a 1-mile lollipop loop trail that features natural shelters, bluffs, and a street-like area of rocks of carvings as old as the Civil War days.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Giant City Lodge and the Village of Makanda for dining and snack options.

11 – Giant City Devil’s Standtable Trail

Devil’s Standtable Trail (Moderately Rugged) is a short loop hiking trail that features amazing natural shelters, waterfalls (when wet), tall bluffs, and a balancing rock that looks like a table standing.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Giant City Lodge and the Village of Makanda for dining and snack options.

 

12 – Giant City Stonefort Trail

Stonefort Trail (Moderately Rugged) is a less-than-mile out-and-back trail that features waterfalls (when wet), tall bluffs, scenic overlooks, and a reconstructed ancient Native American Stonefort.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Giant City Lodge and the Village of Makanda for dining and snack options.

 

13 – Giant City Post Oak Trail

Post Oak Trail (Easy) is a short ADA-compliant hiking trail that features forest bathing and scenic overlooks of the Devil’s Backbone area.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Giant City Lodge and the Village of Makanda for dining and snack options.

 

14 – Giant City Arrowood Interpretive Trail

Arrowood Trail (Easy) is a short lollipop loop hiking trail with interpretive signage that shows hikers what sort of forest features they are seeing as they hike the trail.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Giant City Lodge and the Village of Makanda for dining and snack options.

 

15 – Ferne Clyffe Blackjack Oak Trail

Blackjack Oak (Moderately Rugged) is a short out-and-back trail featuring multiple scenic overlooks, amazing bluffs (designated for climbing), natural shelters, and a diverse forest.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your steps and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville for some great pizza and sandwiches.

 

16 – Ferne Clyffe Hawk’s Cave Trail

Hawk’s Cave (Easy) is a one-mile lollipop loop trail that features one of the largest natural cave shelters in the Southern Illinois region, located on public land.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville for some great pizza and sandwiches.

 

17 – Ferne Clyffe Rebman Trail

Rebman Trail (Moderately Rugged) features a 1-mile lollipop loop hiking experience with waterfalls (when wet), tall bluffs that you can legally climb, and scenic views.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville for some great pizza and sandwiches.

 

18 – Ferne Clyffe Boy Scout Trail

Boy Scout Trail (Moderately Rugged) is a short out-and-back hike on the old roadway into the park from Goreville. When wet, it features a waterfall but also a steep climb, making it great for exercise.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville for some great pizza and sandwiches.

 

19 – Big Rocky Hollow Trail

Big Rocky Hollow (Easy) is a short out-and-back hiking trail that features a tall waterfall (rainfall dependent) at the end of the trail.

Directions: Google Maps Link

While most of these trails are within the park and away from designated hunting areas, it might still be a good idea to wear blaze orange just to be safe. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville for some great pizza and sandwiches.

 

20 – Ferne Clyffe Round Bluff Trail

Round Bluff Nature Preserve (Moderately Rugged) is a 1-mile loop trail through the only nature preserve in Ferne Clyffe State Park.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to private property, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Whiffle Boy’s Pizza in Goreville for some great pizza and sandwiches.

21 – Heron Pond Preserve

Heron Pond Preserve (Easy) involves hiking a few miles through a swamp with a boardwalk, large cypress trees, and occasional swamp wildlife.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to private property, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out the City of Vienna for great dining and snack options.

 

22 – Tunnel Hill State Trail

Tunnel Hill State Trail (Easy) is a 55-mile point-to-point rail trail where cyclists, runners, and hikers can enjoy multiple trestles and a 500+ foot tunnel that you can go through.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to private property, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out the City of Vienna for great dining and snack options.

 

23 – Lake Glendale Lake Trail

Lake Glendale (Easy) is a 3-mile loop trail around the lake, featuring scenic views of the lake and a diverse Shawnee National Forest.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to public land where hunting is allowed, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out the Historical Main Street of Golconda for some excellent dining options. Be sure to stop by the Chocolate Factory for some sweet treats.

 

24 – Millstone Bluff Trail

Millstone Bluff (Easy) is a one-mile lollipop loop trail that features a historical past, from an ancient Native American village to the creation of millstones.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to private property, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Shotgun Eddy’s and Shawnee Mart in Eddyville for great good and snacks.

 

25 – Bell Smith Springs White Trail

White Trail (Moderately Rugged) features a short out-and-back hike to popular spots at Bell Smith Springs, including the Jumping Rocks, the spring, and Devil’s Backbone.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to private property, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Shotgun Eddy’s and Shawnee Mart in Eddyville for great good and snacks.

 

26 – Bell Smith Springs Yellow Trail

Yellow Trail (Moderately Rugged) is a short out-and-back trail that leads you to the largest natural arch in the state of Illinois.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to private property, so hunters will likely be present. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Shotgun Eddy’s and Shawnee Mart in Eddyville for great good and snacks.

 

27 – Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail (Easy) is a loop trail less than a mile in length that features some of the best rock formations in Southern Illinois including Camel Rock and Devil’s Smokestack.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to a wilderness area where hunting is allowed. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas. People have died here (adults and children) as a result of falling from the rocks. Use extreme caution and watch your pets and children at all times.

For great dining and snack options, check out Garden of the Gods Outpost, Harbison’s Country Market, and Harrisburg Restaurants.

 

28 – Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Rim Rock (Moderately Rugged) is a short trail system that features a Native American Stonefort, cave shelters, street-like bluffs, and access to Pounds Hollow Beach (swimming is closed for the season).

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to a wilderness area where hunting is allowed. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

For great dining and snack options, check out Garden of the Gods Outpost, Harbison’s Country Market, and Harrisburg Restaurants.

 

29 – Iron Furnace Picnic Area

Iron Furnace (Easy) is a sightseeing location where you can see a reconstructed iron furnace and enjoy a picnic area.

Directions: Google Maps Link

This particular area sits next to a wilderness area where hunting is allowed. Please wear blaze orange and stay on the designated trail at all times. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

For great dining and snack options, check out Garden of the Gods Outpost, Harbison’s Country Market, and Harrisburg Restaurants.

 

30 – Cave-in-Rock Trail

Cave-in-Rock (Moderately Rugged) features a short out-and-back trail that leads to a large, deep natural cave shelter next to the Ohio River. This shelter was once used by murderous river pirates and has even been featured in a movie.

Directions: Google Maps Link

Please be careful near the river. If the river is flooding, this area will be inaccessible. Please watch your step and use common sense around the high areas.

Check out Kaylor’s Lodge within Cave-in-Rock State Park for some excellent dining.

 

Final Thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to read my guide on 30 great spots to hike in Southern Illinois during hunting season. The hiking trails above should keep you busy all year long.

Where’s your favorite place to hike in Southern Illinois during hunting season? Comment below and tell me what your go-to spots are.

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