A former Grand Canyon, Arizona, resident visits Illinois’ Little Grand Canyon.
As someone that for three years lived within one mile of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, I must visit all the other Grand Canyons, even the little ones. I heard about Illinois’ version from a former colleague. She had told me she had fallen there and got injured pretty decent. Did that dissuade me from visiting? Nope. It only intrigued me more.
The Little Grand Canyon is located with the absolutely gorgeous Shawnee National Forest, in Southern Illinois. It may not be as grand as the Grand Canyon, but it sure is gorgeous.
Jana Irving The forest is also a lot different in Southern Illinois than in Northern Arizona.
Jana Irving There were some good fall colors on this trail.
Jana Irving The trail starts on the top of the canyon and then loops down into it very scenically.
Jana Irving The canyon opens up to the flood plain of the Mississippi River.
Jana Irving It’s a decent sized canyon, just hard to tell with all the trees.
Jana Irving More fantastic color!
Jana Irving The trail is now heading down to the canyon floor.
Jana Irving To get to the canyon floor, you have to follow this sketchy side canyon down.
Jana Irving I can now see how my former colleague got hurt.
Jana Irving The rocks may be slippery, but at least they were pretty.
Jana Irving This was not the easiest to get down without slipping.
Jana Irving A very pretty death trap.
Jana Irving Somehow made it to the bottom of the canyon.
Jana Irving It was actually really hard to see the canyon from inside the canyon. Trees and all.
Jana Irving The bottom of the canyon was pretty chill.
Jana Irving Nice and mossy.
Jana Irving A dry rainwater stream/waterfall.
Jana Irving Going back up. This side was a lot easier to climb out of compared to the way down. I probably should have started in the other direction.
Jana Irving Little mini canyon.
Jana Irving Back on top with the pretty fall colors.
All and all, the Little Grand Canyon was a pretty cool hike. I really enjoyed it. I don’t recommend hiking this one if has rained recently. Those rocks are slippery.
Check out my next update where I explore the old town of Zurich, Switzerland!
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Check out more posts from the state of Illinois!
