Whiskey Cave Loop Trail

One of the most challenging (but most rewarding) hikes through the Shawnee National Forest is this uphill hike to Whiskey Cave.

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Whiskey Cave Loop Trail Details

One of the most challenging (but most rewarding) hikes through the Shawnee National Forest is this uphill hike to Whiskey Cave. For 6.5 miles, you will ascend up 990 feet through dense forests and around layered rock formations including the Arch of the Gods, Buzzard Slot Cave, and the towering Rhombus Rock. However, the most impressive feature is Mushroom Rock, a 20-foot formation that looks like a mushroom stem and cap. There are a lot of small, intersecting trails that jet off from the main path, so it is important to stay focused especially if you are set on visiting the cave.

Difficulty

Low

Distance

N/A

Estimated time

Region

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Nearby Parks Around Whiskey Cave Loop Trail

Compare nearby parks around Whiskey Cave Loop Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

120.9 mi away

Gateway Arch

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Mammoth Cave

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287.5 mi away

Indiana Dunes

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299.3 mi away

Great Smoky

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336.9 mi away

Hot Springs

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443.2 mi away

Cuyahoga

National Park · OH

Nearby Points of Interest Around Whiskey Cave Loop Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Whiskey Cave Loop Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.4 mi away

Garden of the Gods

This short but challenging hike through the Shawnee National Forest gives you front-row seats to one of the coolest geological structures in Southern Illinois.

0.4 mi away

The Illinois Ozarks

Hugging the southern border of Illinois and Kentucky, this diverse region is home to some of the most spectacular natural attractions in the state.

5.6 mi away

Rim Rock Trail

This well-maintained trail has a lot to keep you entertained while you hike the rim of the namesake rocky outcropping.

7.6 mi away

Illionois Iron Furnance

Once used to smelt iron ore that was collected from the nearby mines, this once-functioning furnace is now a fascinating historic site in the Shawnee National Forest.

10.3 mi away

Lusk Creek Canyon

The gigantic 200-foot walls of sandstone cradle the sides of Lush Creek as it twists and turns through this 906-acres of untouched wilderness.