Garden of the Gods - Herod, IL
Garden of the Gods – Dog-Friendly Trails in Herod, Illinois
Discover breathtaking beauty and natural wonders at Garden of the Gods, located in Herod, Illinois, nestled within the Shawnee National Forest. This park is renowned for its stunning rock formations, scenic loop hike, and pet-friendly trails that are perfect for both beginner and experienced hikers. Dogs are welcome throughout the park, making it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy a day out with their furry companions on dog-friendly hiking trails in southern Illinois.
With amenities like picnic tables, plentiful parking, and public restrooms, Garden of the Gods is convenient for families and dog owners. The improved rock walkways and wheelchair-accessible entrances make the main loop easy to navigate for everyone. Visitors can anticipate manageable hiking terrain, breathtaking overlooks, and peaceful settings—plus, the park offers a kid-friendly and pet-friendly atmosphere, allowing the whole family to enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure.
FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed at Garden of the Gods.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? While the park welcomes dogs, they must remain on-leash at all times.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are public restrooms available at the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, Garden of the Gods has wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots, as well as improved, easy-to-manage trails.
- Are picnics allowed? Yes, picnicking is permitted, and picnic tables are available onsite.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features several walking and hiking trails, including a scenic accessible loop.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is plenty of parking available for visitors.
- Is the park good for kids? Yes, the park is good for kids and offers kid-friendly hikes.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? There can be some mud, but the improved rock walkways make most trails easy to maneuver even after rain.
Reviews
First time visiting and we absolutely loved our visit! Great trails and easy to hike. It did rain our whole visit, but the trails were easy to maneuver. Can’t wait to come back.
I just did the scenic loop, 1/4mi. It was all improved, rock walkway. I have an injured foot and was able to do it hobbling with a cane looking stick someone left and I was wearing flip flops. So do able, easy.
Really pretty walk. Plenty of parking (7am on a weekday) bathrooms are plentiful but just a hole in the ground so pretty rancid smelling
Absolutely gorgeous place tucked away in the eastern section of The Shawnee National Forest. Can be busy during holidays and weekends, especially when the weather is nice. Otherwise, it’s usually pretty slow and you can observe the beauty of where an ancient sea once stood. There are incredible rock formations and a whole laundry list of natural wonders around this place. Go and experience true southern Illinois beauty at Garden of the Gods State Park near Herod, IL!
Beautiful place. This was our 2nd stop of the day. The park was very nice. The views are just breathtaking. We are beginner hikers, and we found it very manageable. It’s definitely worth the trip. There was a storm brewing , we could hear thunder, which was very cool. We made it to our truck before a total downpour. It was a great day.
First time visiting, and it did not disappoint. It was beautiful and breathtaking. I enjoyed reading all about the history while doing the trail. Did some off trail hiking in some spots that were not too remote it was fun. In the end, we did get some rain, probably the cherry on top. Highly recommend to anyone. It is a super easy trail for family, quick visits, or even a date.