River to River Trail

There are very few trails in Illinois that are as well-known as this one. This impressive 160-mile route goes from the Ohio River near Elizabethtown to the western town of Grand Tower by the Mississippi, while crossing through some of the most spectacular forest, wetland, and grassland settings in southern Illinois. Due to the length of the trail, the terrain and difficulty level vary depending on where you are. Although it would take you roughly two to three weeks to walk the entire way, most people come to just carve out a few different trailheads and sections of their choosing. Cedar Lake, the Garden of the Gods, and Ferne Clyffe State Park are a few popular places to see along the trail.