Explore Illinois' Giant City State Park

Climb and hike in one of Illinois’ most pristine places.

What Is It? Combining climbing and hiking is the preeminent way to explore this hilly, 4,055-acre oasis hidden amidst the largely flat Corn Belt. Rock climbers can score great sandstone, top-roped routes ranging from 5.6 to 5.13 at Shelter 1 Bluff and the Devil’s Standtable Area. Boulders of varying difficulty also abound, providing an option for those preferring to leave ropes at home. The park’s Red Cedar Trail, a 12-mile path that leads past more remote rock formations, provides a rare wilderness escape for Midwestern backpackers.

Why Do It? Dappled with oak and hickory forests and peppered with sandstone bluffs up to a hundred feet high, Giant City offers a playground for rock climbers and hikers alike. It’s rarely crowded, making it an ideal secluded escape from the city.

Make It Happen: Check out Giant City State Park’s website for information on camping and permits for hiking the Red Cedar Trail. If you’re heading to the crag, pick up Eric Ulner’s Vertical Heartland: A Rock Climber’s Guide to Southern Illinois.

What’s your favorite summer weekend adventure in Illinois?

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More: See America’s 100 Best Adventures and Long Weekends Like a Local

50 Best Summer Weekend Adventures: Great adventures are all around us—and summer is the ideal time to seek them. To give you some ideas and inspiration, every weekday we will be sharing a different U.S. summer weekend adventure, state-by-state from A to Z. We invite you to share your favorite summer weekend adventures in the comments section below when your favorite state is featured. Report back after the weekend to tell us about the outdoor adventures you had.