Garden of the Gods is just one of 7 unique Wilderness areas in Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. We stayed in a National Forest Campground here while exploring the area.
A developed trail leads to and among the most prominent rock formations near the campground.
Visitors, especially young ones enjoy scrambling on the rocks.
I don't do much rock-scrambling any more, so pretty much stayed on the trail.
The fascinating rock formations are the result of millions of years of erosion forces upon the sandstone.
A little fall color...
Looking out over the Shawnee National Forest
In the middle of the picture you can just make out other rock formations in the distance.
A large white dog looks like a mountain goat over there.
Nothing like a crisp fall day for enjoying a hike.
Note the tree in the center growing atop the rock.
This formation is named Devil's Smokestack.
Can you see the wedged boulder about 2/3 from the top.
Perhaps the most prominent formation is Camel Rock, seen here.
A man helping his children "scramble" on the rocks.
Close-up of Camel Rock.
Some scrambling was easier than others.
There were places to sit and imagine...
Trees are very adaptable...
There are rumors that Bigfoot has been seen in these parts...
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