The long scenic drive to Makanda is worth it. About 4,000 acres of trees, cliffs, and rock formations make up Giant City State Park. It is a beautiful park to go see. Multiple trails run through the Shawnee National Forest, and fall is a great time to see the trees in their full beauty. Whether you would like to hike, fish, horseback ride, or rappel down the side of a cliff, Giant City is the place to do these activities.
I have taken many hikes around Giant City, and I love coming back every year. Everywhere you turn are trees. They tower above you. Sometimes they are slim and are as straight as an arrow pointing up to the sky, and other times they are wide and take a couple of people to fit their arms around the base of their trunks.
Native Americans once lived in this area. You can still see signs of their inhabitance in the cliff overhangings. Looking up at the rock ceilings are blackened patches caused by their fires.
This is one example of the huge cliffs rising out of the forest's floor. Spindly trees try to grow out from under them reaching for sunlight. You can see how this would have been an ideal place to take shelter. It offers shade from the sun, wind, and rain. Waking up and seeing the forest spread out before you must have been a picturesque morning view.
With over seventy-five different species of trees, miles of trails, and winding creeks, Giant City State Park is a feast for your senses. If you are interested in visting, here is the address: 235 Giant City Road, Makanda, Il 62958. Get out and enjoy the stunning fall leaves!
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