A short paved trail led down to the river between some massive rock formations.
The views of the river were very nice here. Heading left we soon came to the cave.
It was really massive. And we could hike a good ways into the cave. A footpath led between large rocks into a large opening in the cliff.
It would have been really dark in here, but there was an opening above that let a little bit of light in. We got some pictures in here and then headed on.
Our next stop was at the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area in Shawnee National Forest. The Observation Trail made a short loop through the garden with great views of the rock formations and hoodoos.
The trail was built into the rock itself.
Steps had been built into the rock as well.
Although a short trail, it was very slow going with so many fantastic rock formations to see.
Peering down the cliffs, the swirling rocks continued down.
About half way through the loop, we climbed out on the rocks.
The views of the garden and surrounding Shawnee Hills were really beautiful.
It was just amazing how millennia of erosion from wind and water had worn down the rock into such interesting shapes.
It's no wonder that this is one of the most photographed spots in all of Illinois.
Devil's smokestack was a massive stone pillar.
Standing 30 feet high, it was formed when softer sandstone eroded away.
Camel Rock was another fantastic named rock formation.
There's no question how it got its name.
After we finished the Observation Trail loop, we took Middle Trail to West Bluff Trail into the wilderness. There were several spots to go out on the cliffs here for views of the hoodoos and other rock formations.
We saw some flowering spurge blooming.
The trail got rather hard to follow, so we just turned around and headed back.
At the end, we got on Garden of the Gods Loop Trail and passed by some cool cliffs.
From here, we got on the highway and headed east into Indiana. We got off I-64 and headed into Hoosier National Forest to Hemlock Cliffs Special Place. We got on the Hemlock Cliffs Trail to hike the loop counterclockwise. The trail soon descended into the canyon.
There was a seasonal waterfall where we reached the base of the canyon.
Not much water flowing today, but the canyon was really beautiful.
Unusual to find a box canyon like this in Indiana.
At the start of the canyon, it narrowed to just a small crevice in the cliffs.
Continuing on the trail, we passed by some beautiful cliffs. It was a real jungle down in here.
There was some orange jewelweed flowering.
A short spur trail led through a massive shelter cave.
Then we finished the hike back at the car. A very eventful one mile hike.
From here, we got back on the highway and continue to Madison, staying the night at the Super 8. It rained quite a bit overnight.
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