From breathtaking hikes and river views to wineries, shopping, and local history — Elizabethtown is the perfect home base for your Southern Illinois getaway. The Shawnee National Forest area provides ample opportunities to explore. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best sightseeing locations Southern Illinois has to offer, all within roughly an hour of your stay.

Explore The Area

A historical stone structure in a forested area with an informational plaque in the foreground.

Nature is the main attraction here — and it’s all just minutes away.

Calm lake reflecting a forested hillside with autumn-colored trees, bare branches, and a clear sky.

IRON FURNACE

Step back to Civil War days when “pig iron” was smelted at the first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois. The restored structure is in a beautiful park with fishing, hiking, and picnicking available.

POUNDS HOLLOW RECREATIONAL AREA

Pounds Hollow campground and lake are tucked away among the Shawnee Hills. Here, you can relax and get away from it all. Pounds Hollow Lake provides opportunities to picnic, fish, swim, camp, nature watch, and hike.

Close-up of a large rock formation resembling a human face profile with a prominent nose, surrounded by leafless trees during winter.

STONE FACE TRAILHEAD

Old Stoneface is a 1.6 mile out and back moderately rugged trail. Old Stoneface trail features various bluff, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. The trail is most known for it’s main rock formation called “Old Stoneface” which resembles the face of an old woman.

A calm river with a sandy bottom, surrounded by lush green trees and large rock formations on the right side, reflecting the greenery in the water.
A calm river with a sandy bottom, surrounded by lush green trees and large rock formations on the right side, reflecting the greenery in the water.

BELL SMITH SPRINGS SCENIC AREA

Bell Smith Springs contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons. The trail system consists of eight miles of interconnected trails featuring strange and wonderful rock formations, such as Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls, and a natural rock bridge.

A calm river flowing through a lush forest with large rocks along the bank, reflected in the water.

CEDAR FALLS

Cedar Falls, also known as Pakentuck, is the tallest free-flowing waterfall in Illinois. The water falls at least 50 feet. The area around the falls is known for its rocky creeks, boulders, cliffs, and waterfalls.

A forest scene with tall trees, a large rocky overhang, and sunlight filtering through the trees.

ROUND BLUFF NATURE PRESERVE TRAIL

Nestled in Ferne Clyffe State Park, Round Bluff’s standout feature is an isolated sandstone bluff, a rare sight within the park’s hardwood forest, giving it an “island” feel.

A woman smiling while zip-lining through a dense green forest, wearing a helmet and safety harness.

SHAWNEE BLUFFS CANOPY TOUR

Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour consists of eight zip lines, which zig-zag across the property’s bluffs & through the valley. The tour also includes 11 platforms high in the trees, three aerial suspension bridges, and two short ground hikes.

A ferry boat preparing to cross a river with a landmass and trees in the background.

CAVE-IN-ROCK FERRY

The Cave-In-Rock Ferry is one of four passenger ferry services that cross the Ohio River into Kentucky. The ferry connects Illinois Route 1 to Kentucky Route 91. It operates daily from 6:00am to 9:50pm

Rock formations with people sitting and climbing, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, under a partly cloudy sky.

GARDEN OF THE GOD’S

One of the most photographed locations in the state. Garden of the God’s scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area, you can hike, camp, nature watch, or picnic. The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views.

A small waterfall flowing over layered rocks into a calm pool surrounded by greenery.

DIXON SPRINGS STATE PARK

Dixon Springs State Park was named after American scout William Dixon. Park visitors may enjoy the varied wildlife, take a swim in the outdoor pool, or simply soak up the relaxing atmosphere of the covered-boulders craggy overhangs, and rushing brook.

A small waterfall flowing over rocks into a shallow pond surrounded by a forest.

BURDEN FALLS TRAILHEAD

Burden Falls Wilderness is compromised of a central hardwood ecosystem with some pine plantations. It is best known for its season, scenic waterfall.

A tunnel in a forest with dense green foliage and a dirt pathway passing through it.

TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL

With a dark railroad tunnel and two dozen trestles crossing streams and rocky ravines, the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail travels 55 miles through forests, wetlands, farmlands, and towns in the rural countryside of Southern Illinois.

Forest trail with benches and a waterfall in the background.

BIG ROCKY HOLLOW TRAIL

Big Rocky Hollow Trail leads to a 100-foot-tall intermittent waterfall. The trail is lined with huge boulders a meandering stream, and a progressively narrowing canon, becoming more scenic as you progress towards the waterfall.

A forest trail flanked by tall moss-covered rocks and trees with green foliage.

PANTHER DEN TRAILHEAD

Generally considered a challenging route, Panther Den Trail is a 12.2 mile loop and takes an average of 4 hours 50 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking.

Large caves with dark interiors at the base of a rocky cliff, with trees and blue sky above, and people exploring nearby.

CAVE-IN-ROCK STATE PARK

Wander along the Ohio River and step into the large cavern, steeped in the history of river pirates. Enjoy the spectacular river views from the lodge perched atop the overhanging bluffs. Cabins, picnic areas, camping and showers are available.

A small waterfall cascading over a layered rock cliff into a shallow pool below, surrounded by trees and natural landscape.

LUSK CREEK CANYON NATURE PRESERVE

Lusk Creek Canyon is the name of a 906-acre canyon located within the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area of the Shawnee National Forest. It is the most well-known whitewater run in Southern Illinois.

View from inside a cave looking out to a forest with green trees and sunlight.

SAND CAVE

Shawnee National Forest played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad. As slaves escaped and headed north, the dense forest and rugged terrain offered natural hiding places. Freedom seekers often used Sand Cave for shelter and protection.

A tall, rusted metal observation tower with a spiral staircase, situated on a grassy area surrounded by trees under a blue sky with clouds.

TRIGG OBSERVATION TOWER

Trigg Observation Tower is the only remaining fire lookout in the Shawnee National Forest. The structure was originally around 100ft in height. In 1973, the upper half of the steel frame was removed for safety reasons, and an observation platform was constructed.

A forest with tall trees and wetlands covered in green algae or duckweed.

CACHE RIVER STATE NATURAL AREA

The Cache River is America’s northernmost cypress swamp and home to over 100 endangered species. Visitors enjoy birding, hunting, wildlife watching, canoeing, and hiking.

View of a large overhanging rock formation with smaller rocks and a dry creek bed underneath, with leafless trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

HAWK’S CAVE TRAILHEAD

Generally considered an easy route, Hawk’s Cave Trail takes an average of 15 min to complete. It leads visitors past one of the largest shelter bluffs. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and hiking.

A park scene with a concrete pathway, tall trees, green grass, and a pond in the background.

POST OAK NATURE TRAIL

Generally considered an easy route, the Post Oak Nature Trail is a 0.9-mile loop hiking trail that takes an average of 21 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and walking.

A wooded area in autumn with fallen leaves on the ground, trees with orange and brown foliage, and large rock formations on the left side.

RIM ROCK NATIONAL RECREATIONAL TRAIL

A wonderfully scenic trail, Rim Rock National Recreation Trail leads around the rim of a rock escarpment, hence its name. Midway along the trail is an opportunity to descend wooden stairs and pass between rock slabs to reach the hollow below.

Painting of a person riding a horse on a sign for Bear Branch Horse Camp, mentioning guide rides and lodgings.

BEAR BRANCH CAMP GROUND

Bear Branch Campground is centrally located in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest just above Lusk Creek Canyon. Named after a creek that runs through the property, Bear Branch offers multiple access to the most scenic riding & hiking trails in the forest.

A peaceful lake scene with calm water reflecting blue sky and scattered clouds, surrounded by green trees and bushes, with a trail in the foreground.

LAKE GLENDALE RECREATION AREA

Surrounded by tall pine trees and mixed hardwood forests, Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and bicycling.

A small waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by trees and water at the base.

JACKSON FALLS

Jackson Falls offers arguably the best rock climbing in southern Illinois. There are roughly 60 climbing areas along the sandstone bluffs and freestanding boulders, each with multiple named routes on them. The whole area sits in a very scenic glen.

A small waterfall flowing into a stream surrounded by green trees and rocks.

FERNE CLYFFE STATE PARK

Ferne Clyffe has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot for nearly 100 years. Trails wind through picturesque woods, allowing visitors view fascinating rock formations and inspiring vistas.

A double waterfall cascading into a turquoise pool surrounded by rocky cliffs.
A natural rocky landscape with large flat rocks and green trees in the background.

BORK FALLS

Located deep within Ferne Clyffe State Park is Bork Falls, which plunges into a lovely turquoise pool below. It’s an ideal place to spend time on a hot summer day.

GIANT CITY NATURE TRAIL

The Giant City Nature Trail is a moderate 1-mile loop hiking trail within the Giant City State Park. The trail is located near the Devil’s Standtable, an amazing rock formation, and is perfect for wildlife viewing, photography, and exploring.

PLACES TO EAT

Floating restaurant called E-Town River Restaurant on a river with a ramp leading to the entrance, boats docked nearby, and a deck with red umbrellas and outdoor seating

E-TOWN RIVER RESTAURANT

Floating restaurant right on the Ohio River, with fresh river catfish served daily.

Elizabethtown, IL taproom logo with a beer barrel and the words 'E-Town Tap' and 'Open 7 Days a Week'

E-TOWN TAP

Newly remodeled bar that offers video gaming, great drinks, and bar food.

Meat cooking on a grill with smoke rising.

HARDIN COUNTY BBQ

Known as a wonderful hidden joint" and a cozy, casual spot that specializes in slow-smoked meats and classic comfort food. It is a veteran- and women-owned business known for its friendly service and quiet, family-oriented atmosphere

Logo for Morello's Restaurant & Catering with the tagline 'as good as it gets'

MORELLO’S

Neighborhood bar/eatery with Italian & American bites, plus a lunch buffet & a heated covered patio

Hunt Brothers Pizza logo with red and green colors

HUNT BROTHER’S PIZZA

Convenience store-based pizza chain doling out create-your-own pies along with wings.

Wooden bench with a bear statue sitting next to it, surrounded by flower pots, in front of a sign for Shotgun Eddy's restaurant and bar.

SHOT GUN EDDY’S

Bar & grill in Eddyville,IL that serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner with full bar service.

Empty restaurant dining area with wooden tables and chairs, tiled floor, and industrial-style ceiling.

SMOKE ON THE OHIO

Family-style restaurant in Rosiclare, IL that serves breakfast, lunch, & dinner.

A small building with a stone facade and a dark brown roof, parking spaces in front, some cars parked, and a Coca-Cola vending machine outside.

KAYLOR’S RESTAURANT

Family-style restaurant in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois that serves everything form steak to sandwiches

Sign for Diver Down Restaurant & Bar in Golconda, Illinois with cartoon illustration of a woman in a swimsuit holding a drink.

THE DIVER DOWN

Full-service bar & grill in Golconda, IL that serves amazing food, drinks & atmosphere.

Sign for The Red Onion restaurant in Equality, Illinois, with phone number 618-276-4862

THE RED ONION

Relaxed eatery featuring home-style fare such as burgers, fried chicken and seafood dishes, along with steaks, ribs and baked goods.

Sunset over a river with a gazebo in the foreground and the text 'Your Adventure Awaits' and a 'Book Today' button.

Escape the city and experience the beauty of Southern Illinois with  Shawnee Stays. From cozy riverfront cabins to historic boutique stays near the Shawnee National Forest, our unique vacation rentals are the perfect base for hiking, waterfall adventures, wine trails, and romantic Midwest getaways.