Are you in search of easy senior hikes in Southern Illinois that offer a leisurely stroll and breathtaking scenic views that will inspire you?

I get a lot of requests for this type of article, so I wanted to help out and give you all some great suggestions. These are definitely areas that I’ll continue to visit when I reach an age where mobility might be an issue.

Shawnee National Forest has many great hikes. However, many of them are rugged and difficult, even for young and physically fit people.

Rest assured, these trails are not only short and easy but also safe, ensuring a worry-free hiking experience.

I hope you enjoy this article on easy senior hikes in Southern Illinois.

Senior Hikes in Southern Illinois

The following senior hikes in Southern Illinois are carefully selected based on their accessibility. They’re designed to be easy for everyone, including those with mobility issues, ensuring that no one is left out of the adventure.

1 – Lincoln Memorial Picnic Site (Jonesboro)

The Lincoln Memorial Picnic Site is located in Jonesboro, Illinois, at the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of the US Forest Service—Shawnee National Forest.

There are three very short walking loops on paved paths. There are plenty of things to see along the way and information to read about the area’s historical use.

If you need a place to stay nearby, I recommend Rustic Hideaway Cabins. For good food, go check out the Brick House.

For more to do in this area, enjoy Rendleman Orchards, Von Jakob Winery, or a scenic drive along Highway 127 toward Carbondale.

2 – Kinkaid Lake Spillway (Murphysboro)

The Kinkaid Lake Spillway is located near Murphysboro, Illinois, and is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

This is an area to see waterfalls along the spillway on wetter days without having to leave your vehicle. You can get out and get a little closer if you’d like to.

I suggest Reece Ridge Cabin for lodging close to this area. For great food, check out Martel’s Pizza in Murphysboro.

For more to do in this area, enjoy a scenic drive on Route 3, either north or south. You can also visit Lake Murphysboro State Park for even more to do.

3 – Pomona Natural Bridge (Pomona)

Pomona Natural Bridge is a short trail located in Pomona, Illinois, managed by the US Forest Service—Shawnee National Forest.

This short lollipop loop features a large natural bridge that you hike on (please use caution), waterfalls, and scenic views of the Shawnee National Forest around you.

If you need a place to stay nearby to this trail, check out CornerStone Cabins. For great food, check out 17th Street BBQ in Murphysboro.

For other stuff to do in this area, enjoy a trip to Cedar Lake for more trails and lake access. You can also visit the Bald Knob Cross of Peace in Alto Pass.

4 – Quetil Trail (Alto Pass)

Quetil Trail is a short trail that uses a former railroad track managed by the community of Alto Pass, Illinois.

This short trail offers a lot to see. You’ll see amazing bluffs, items left behind from the railroad days, and interesting rock formations nearby.

If you need something to eat in the area, check out Peachbarn Winery and Café. This Havisham House and Bourbon Bar in Alto Pass is a great place to lodge.

For more to do in this area, check out Flamm Orchards in Cobden. You should also visit Cliff View Park above the trail to get a great view of the Bald Knob Cross.

5 – Section 8 Woods (Cypress)

Section 8 Woods is located in the Cache River State Natural Area and is managed by the Illinois DNR, which is located in Cypress, Illinois.

This short boardwalk-styled trail leads to a swamp overlook where a large tree once stood. However, after a severe storm a few years ago, the tree fell. The trail still offers many great swamp views to enjoy.

If you need a place to stay in this area, check out Trails End in Karnak. For dining, check out The Spur in Cypress.

If you want more to do in the area, visit the Lower Cache River Access and the Cache River State Natural Area for scenic views and birding.

6 – Green Earth Chautauqua Bottoms (Carbondale)

Chautauqua Bottoms is managed by the Green Earth Organization and is located in Carbondale, Illinois.

There are a few miles of hiking trails along this area. The trail is flat and mainly made up of small, crushed stones. Along this trail, you’ll enjoy a diverse variety of plants and forest conditions.

If you need a place to stay in this area, check out the Cabin on the Hill. Quatro’s Deep Dish Pizza is a local favorite by many in the Carbondale area.

For other stuff to do in this area, check out the many different things to do in Carbondale, Illinois. You can also check out other trails operated by the Green Earth Organization.

7 – Post Oak Trail (Makanda)

The Post Oak Trail is an ADA-compliant forest bathing trail managed by the Illinois DNR at Giant City State Park in Makanda, Illinois.

There is a lot to see along this trail, including water habitat for turtles, scenic overlooks of the Devil’s Stand Table Trail, and forest bathing signage to enjoy along the trail.

For lodging, I definitely recommend the Makanda Inn. If you want something good to eat, check out the Giant City Lodge.

If you need more to do, take a drive through Giant City State Park for scenic roadside views. You should also visit the Makanda Boardwalk for unique gifts and shops.

8 – George Rogers Clark Trail (Metropolis)

The George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail is a rail trail managed by the Illinois DNR at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, Illinois.

The trail is easy and concrete, and it’s ADA-compliant. There is a lot to see, and Fort Massac is the first state park established in the State of Illinois.

For lodging, I recommend staying at the Luxe High Roller Airbnb near Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis. For really good food, check out Fat Edd’s Roadhouse.

For more to do in the area, be sure to visit the Fort Replica in the state park and the visitor center. You can also take a scenic drive around Mermet Lake Fish and Wildlife Area.

9 – Millstone Bluff (Simpson)

Millstone Bluff is a nationally recognized archeological area managed by the US Forest Service – Shawnee National Forest in Simpson, Illinois.

This is a one-mile lollipop loop that is a little steeper and not ADA-compliant. It is an ancient Native American village site, so there is a lot to see and read on this trail.

For local lodging in the area, check out Willowbrook Cabins near Eddyville. Shotgun Eddy’s, also in Eddyville, has really good food.

For more to do in this area, check out Lusk Creek Access or head over to Dixon Springs State Park and the Chocolate Factory across from it.

10 – Upper Rim Rock Trail (Karbers Ridge)

The Upper Rim Rock Trail is located at a nationally recognized recreation trail managed by the US Forest Service – Shawnee National Forest near Karbers Ridge, Illinois.

The upper trail is very short and easy to hike. It passes a Native American rock wall, scenic views of the forest, and amazing overlooks.

For lodging, I recommend staying at Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins across the street from the trail. For dining, head over to Kaylor’s Lodge at Cave-in-Rock.

If you want more to do in this area, check out Garden of the Gods Outpost for sweets and Shawnee merchandise. Visit Cave-in-Rock State Park for beautiful overlooks and a self-guided tour of the old pirate cave.

Final Thoughts About Senior Hikes in Southern Illinois

That concludes my picks for 10 scenic but easy senior hikes in Southern Illinois. We rated the hikes listed above based on convenience, ease of use, and distance. I hope you have enjoyed this article. Please share it with others who might also enjoy it.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.

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