Southern Illinois is home to the ‘most popular’ hiking trail statewide, report says
The most popular hike in Illinois is located within Shawnee National Forest, according to a July 13 analysis from outdoor clothing retailer Kuhl.
The “Most Popular Hiking Trail in Each State” report named Little Grand Canyon Trail the Land of Lincoln’s most popular hiking trail, based on the number of reviews on trail navigation service AllTrails, rating scores, frequency of Google searches and Instagram popularity.
Little Grand Canyon Trail scored a 62.8 out of 100, with the nation’s top-ranked trail, found in Arkansas, receiving an 88.2.
While Starved Rock was recently named among the best state parks in the U.S., Shawnee’s Little Grand Canyon Trail outperformed Starved Rock’s trails in the Kuhl report on most popular hikes. Starved Rock and Sandstone Point Overlook Trail scored a 52.9.
Along with being the home of Little Grand Canyon Trail, Shawnee National Forest spans 289,000 acres including biking paths, rock climbing areas and opportunities to horseback ride and camp.
Here’s what to know about Illinois’ most popular hike and how the top 10 hikes in the nation compared.
Little Grand Canyon Trail
The Little Grand Canyon Trail is 2.9 miles long, according to AllTrails, and has an elevation gain of 439 feet. It’s considered “moderately challenging.”
“This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring,” AllTrails says. “The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.”
The trail has 4.7 out of 5 stars on AllTrails, and reviews highlight the path’s serene views and rock formations.
In a 2016 document, the U.S. Department of Agriculture advises hikers to stay on the designated trail to avoid disturbing the rocks, plants and animals. Those enjoying the trail should also exercise extra caution where the trail is near the bluffs and when traversing slippery rocks, the USDA says.
The agency says those hiking Little Grand Canyon Trail should also beware of poison ivy and venomous snakes.
The venomous Eastern copperhead and timber rattlesnake can be found in southern Illinois, but neither species is aggressive. These snakes tend to bite people only when stepped on, cornered or picked up, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
One of Shawnee National Forest’s best-known features is Snake Road, which closes to vehicular traffic twice each year for snake migration.
The News-Democrat has contacted officials with Shawnee National Forest for comment on the recent trail ranking.
Top 10 most popular hikes in the US
Here’s how the nation’s top 10 most popular hikes stacked up, according to Kuhl’s analysis:
1. Centerpoint to Goat Trail at Buffalo National River in Ponca, Ark. (with a score of 88.2 out of 100)
2. Lands End Trail at Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco (87.1)
3. Bright Angel Trail at Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona (87)
4. Indian Head and Rainbow Falls at Adirondack Mountain Reserve in Keene, N.Y. (86.4)
5. Half Dome via the John Muir Trail at Yosemite National Park in Yosemite Valley, Calif. (85.5)
6. Cathedral Rock Trail at Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Ariz. (85.4)
7. Devil’s Bridge Trail via Dry Creek Road at Coconino National Forest in Sedona, Ariz. (84.2)
8. Highline Trail at Glacier National Park in Siyeh Bend, Mont. (83.4)
9. Waihe’e Ridge Trail at West Maui Forest Reserve in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii (82.9)
10. Gold Strike Hot Springs Trail at Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Boulder City, Nev. (82.8)
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