Scenic S. ILScenic Southern Illinois
Observation & Scenic Areas with great views in Southern Illinois.Enjoy fine Southern Illinois scenery from scenic vistas! Views of Southern Illinois are everywhere, but here are a few special places to observe the scenic wonders of downstate Illinois! Have your camera ready! From this vantage point you can see clear across to Bald Knob. In the fall the view adds a rainbow of colors as the trees prepare for winter. |
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Bald Knob gives a spectacular view of Southern Illinois. The only thing higher is the 111 foot cross that dominates the mountain top! Easy access and free! You can see for miles around from the base of the cross. Undergoing restoration! The view from Bald Knob is spectacular! At 1030 ft above sea level, Bald Knob his the 11th highest point in Illinois. For the most part, the only noise you hear up on Bald Knob is the whistle of the wind! With almost unobstructed views in all directions, you can really grasp the geography of Southern Illinois! |
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View Park Small picnic area has a cover and a cliff. The cliff does not have a rail, so watch out for children, animals and clumsy because. This vista point is just a few hundred feet up from downtown Alto Pass, IL. Picnic and have a great view of Bald Knob. |
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Giant City Water Tower offers a spectacular view of Southern Illinois. Located in the Giant City State Park, the water tower is an easy drive south from Carbondale, this tower gives you a commanding view of the region. You can see Bald Knob Cross from here! |
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Little Grand Canyon Trail Moderate to hard trail. Great view of sandstone cliffs that create a deep canyon. Use caution if loop and descend into valley. In the fall, the "green wall" goes colorful, then sheds altogether, offering a spectacular view of a canyon. Trial descends at up to 80% about halfway through. For a short, easy to moderate hike, proceed to the left, then turn around and return at point where trail takes steep descent. Half trail hike is about 1.5 miles. Take water, leave no trash! |
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| Trigg Tower Rt.
147 1.9 miles N of Simpson, IL Get the view of the forest that the old time fire rangers had from one of the remaining fire watch towers in Southern Illinois. Picnic sites available along with trails for horse and foot! |
Inspiration Point Northern Union County LaRue-Pine Hills Ecological Area 618-687-1731 A half-mile trail offering spectacular scenic views of LaRue Swamp, the Mississippi River Valley and neighboring Missouri from atop 300-foot high limestone cliffs |
| Garden of the Gods Karbers Ridge Road 618-287-2201 Excellent vista views of the Shawnee National Forest for climbers and hikers. There is also an improved trail with access for the handicapped! |
Quickie Scenic View
Exit 40 off of Interstate 57 This one is easy, just get off the freeway and take a break and take in a view! Best of all it is free! |
| Bell Smith
Springs Hidden Springs Ranger District - Shawnee National Forest 602 N. First Street - Route 45 North - Vienna, IL 62995 618-658-2111  Bell Smith Springs is home to a rare phenomenon of
interconnected, complete, functioning ecosystems.
There are four creeks which come together in the
canyon at Bell Smith Springs; and even when the
creeks are parched there are a dozen ice-cold spring
pools which never go dry. The unique hydrology of
the canyon contributes to its vegetative diversity.
There are over 700 species of plants which grow at
Bell Smith Springs. Bell Smith Springs is a an
essential destination for anyone interested in
native ecology and local history. It is designated a
National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Park Service,
a Natural Area by the Illinois Nature Preserves
Commission, and a recreation area by the U. S.
Forest Service. |
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Bald Knob Cross
Giant City Park Water Tower
