Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is a 0.5 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Karbers Ridge, Illinois that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Observation Trail is a 1/4-mile flagstone loop containing unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness within the Shawnee National Forest. There are older, vault toilets near the trailhead. This trail is likely not accessible for most strollers and wheelchairs due to the narrowness and steep grade. The trail is paved with flagstone so the surface can be uneven and have gaps between stones. The average grade is 9% and the max grade is 17%. The trail is about three feet wide.
Illinois Bureau of Tourism, J. R. Thompson Ctr. Suite 3-400, 100 West Randolph , Chicago, IL, 60601
Directions from Harrisburg: take Highway 145 south 5 miles to Highway 34, turn south. Take 34 south for 5 miles, then east on Karbers Ridge Road 2.5 miles to Garden of the Gods Road. Turn north onto Garden of the Gods Road. 1.5 miles to recreation area entrance road. There are directional signs from Harrisburg to the recreation area.
Nice walk along the cliffs. My wife loved the heights...no, no she didn't. :-)
Absolutely AMAZING!! It was chilly, light snow drizzles but clear. We hiked to the top and the horizon actually had purple mountains. The observation Trail Hike is a short loop but well worth the time. We headed to the Garden of the Gods Wilderness trail after.
Fun place but not for the anxiety prone! the trail is mostly opportunities to climb the big rocks which are also cliffs. my 7 year old rated this trail his favorite but the rest of the family preferred Rim Rock and Bell Smith Springs. If you've been to Elephant Rocks in MO and didn't love it, I'd pass on this one.
Short but beautiful trail. paved and well defined. nice introduction to the area.
very scenic, great rock formations. short little hike with big payoff per foot.
Watch for the homemade, white signs, they're helpful. Took some different trails/shortcuts than suggested on the map. Various alternative trails to try out here. Beautiful rock formations. Not bad now with mud, but can see where it would be when wet out.
Very crowded but worth the time. Easy hike. Lots of rocks to climb on.