Garden of the Gods/Hicks Dome/High Knob - Harrisburg, Illinois

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Garden of the Gods/Hicks Dome/High Knob - Harrisburg, Illinois. The three areas are those that should be viewed at the same time. Garden of the Gods is located in southern Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. The Wilderness area is over 320 million years old and covers over 3,300 acres of beautiful old growth forest.. The sediment rock in this area is over 4 miles deep and the fractured bedrock has created some interesting rock formations that represent various objects.

Garden of the Gods has two main trail systems. The best known trail is the Observation Trail. It follows a .25 mile stone path that leads to some spectacular overlooks of the Garden of the Gods Wilderness area and views of unusual rock formations. This is an interpretive trail that has some interesting history about the geology of this area. There are other trails that lead to places such as Indian Point, Anvil Rock, Mushroom Rock and Big H. These trails combine for about 5.5 miles and are interconnecting. There are maps available at the park which is open year round.

The second main trail that goes through this area is the River-to-River Trail. The trail enters the east end of the park from High Knob just below the camping area and proceeds west crossing the blacktop to the Observation Trail area. The River-to-River Trail then proceeds south below the rock formations, before bearing west again. It continues for 8 miles to Herod.

Getting There

From Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive 25 miles east on Illinois 13 to US 45 in Harrisburg. Turn right onto US 45 and drive south 1 mile to Illinois 34. Turn left onto Illinois 34 and drive 16 miles to Karbers Ridge Road. Turn left onto Karbers Ridge Road and drive 3 miles east to Illinois 10 (Garden of the Gods Road). Turn left for about 1 mile. Turn left into Garden of the Gods Recreation area.

From the south take Illinois 1 North to Cadiz Road. Turn left and continue west 6 miles to Karbers Ridge Road. Turn left and continue west for 4 miles to Illinois 10 (Garden of the Gods Road). Turn left for about 1 mile. Turn left into Garden of the Gods Recreation area.

Hicks Dome was created by a volcano nearly 150,000,000 although it never broke the surface causing the bulging (crypto-explosion). Pilots flying over this hill are amazed to see the shape of a volcano from the air.

The region is sedimentary rocks as well as some igenious outcroppings with many fauts and unusual surface formations to see.

High Knob is a unique area that you can drive to the top, view the area, explore the trails that go along the cliffs. Bring a flashllight to view the inside of the caves. Beginning your hike at the Garden of the Gods is a good place to start.