How to Find ‘The Little Grand Canyon’ Hidden Away in Southern Illinois

Discover the Little Grand Canyon in Southern Illinois

Growing up, my family would drive (yes, drive) out to Arizona every year from our home in Kentucky to visit family. And every year we’d stop at the Grand Canyon. It truly is one of nature’s most spectacular views and is totally worth visiting if you are out west. But as someone who has made that trip a lot, it is a pretty long travel destination, no matter how you tackle it.

If you don’t have that kind of time or desire to head to the desert, I found out that we have the Little Grand Canyon right in our own backyard.

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Hiking the Little Grand Canyon Trail

According to shawneeforest.com, “Tucked away along southern Illinois’ scenic Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, the Little Grand Canyon trail offers a 365 foot climb from the canyon floor and a panoramic view of the Big Muddy River and the Mississippi floodplain.”

Okay, so did anyone else catch the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail? Yes, please! There are 12 wineries along the wine trail, and each has either a cute picnic spot or a limited or full menu to enjoy your wine. So if you happen to pop into Hickory Ridge Vineyard and Winery, take some time to explore the Little Grand Canyon too.

The Little Grand Canyon walking trail starts off as an easy path along Hickory Ridge, but then drops off sharply on either side of the trail, allowing you to peer down into the forest from above. You might even catch glimpses of the Mississippi River and the Big Muddy River, and Swallow Rock if you take the right overgrown path to the high point of the asphalt walking path.

The trail is about 2.9 miles and takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete, with several rest benches along the way.

Location: Little Grand Canyon Road, Pomona, IL 62975

What to Expect on the Trail

The walking trail is kind of a “choose your own adventure” experience. You can play it safe and stay on the asphalt and gravel walking path, or at the end of the path you can choose a more rugged route that leads down into the canyon.

Hikers can get up close to the exposed sandstone walls of the canyon, which tower up to 100 feet overhead. Kids of all ages will enjoy scrambling around the weathered ledges and grottoes that mark the descent into Little Grand Canyon.

Look for the white diamond trail markers. They will lead you to a natural stone staircase carved out by water over hundreds of years.

Difficulty and Hiking Tips

AllTrails rates this trail as moderately challenging. It includes a 365 foot climb from the canyon floor back up to the main path. If you want to hike down into the Little Grand Canyon, make sure you are physically prepared. You should be comfortable hiking longer distances and climbing up and down steep areas.

The trail can also be slippery when wet, so wear appropriate gear and assess the situation carefully, especially if you have small children with you.

Parking and Trail Amenities

There is parking available at the beginning of the hike. There is also a vaulted public bathroom (a drop pot), so you may want to find a full restroom before hitting the trail.

You’ll also find a few picnic tables near the entrance. Like many areas of Shawnee National Forest, dogs are welcome on a leash.

More Things to Do in Shawnee National Forest

Looking for more to explore in the area? Here are some other great attractions nearby.

Hiking and Nature Trails

• Giant City State Park – Famous for the Giant City Nature Trail and sandstone “streets.”
• Jackson Falls – Trails through sandstone formations and wooded hills.
• LaRue-Pine Hills – Trails along towering limestone bluffs.
• Cache River Wetlands – Boardwalks and trails through ancient swamp ecosystems.

Scenic Views and Natural Landmarks

• Garden of the Gods – Iconic sandstone formations and panoramic views.
• Pomona Natural Bridge – Short hike to a natural rock bridge you can walk across.
• LaRue-Pine Hills – Limestone bluffs overlooking the Mississippi floodplain.

Biking

• Tunnel Hill State Trail – Long-distance rail trail with routes up to about 95 miles.

Adventure Activities

• Jackson Falls – Illinois’ largest concentration of rock climbing routes.
• Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour – Ziplining across forest canopy and bluff landscapes.

Horseback Riding

• Mayfield Farms - Guided mule rides through wooded trails
• Giant City Stables – Guided horseback rides through wooded park trails.

Cultural and Landmark Sites

• Bald Knob Cross of Peace – A 111 foot cross with sweeping views across southern Illinois.

Tip: Many visitors combine several of these stops in one trip since many are located within or near Shawnee National Forest, making it easy to explore multiple attractions in a single day.