Note: This trail was added on the recommendation of a backpacking family in Southern Illinois. The information that I am providing below is from the book "Illinois Hiking & Backpacking Trails", revised edition, by Walter G. and George S. Zyznieuski.

Location: Giant City State Park is located 12-miles south of Carbondale. Take State Route 51 south out of Carbondale to Makanda. Turn east and proceed through Makanda to the park entrance - or - if coming from the east on Route 13, turn left (south) onto Giant City Blacktop Road. Proceed for twelve miles to the park. This route goes to the entrance to the campground and to the trailhead.

Distance: 12-mile loop from the trailhead parking area.

Water: You will pass some creeks, ponds and some waterfalls before coming to the backcountry camping area. Be sure and treat, filter, or boil any water that you obtain from these sources. The campground has restrooms but no water at the campground.

Parking: Overnight parking is available at the trailhead in the main campgroun - a permit is required.

Comments: The trail begins and ends at the main campground and goes (marked?) in a counterclockwise direction. Starting out as a six-foot wide trail, it becomes a single-lane footpath for most of the hike. From the campground to marker number 2, the trail goes through the woods, over Indian Creek, past a closed park road, and finally to Giant City Road. The trail crosses this road and parallels an open field for a short distance until reaching the woodlands again. There is an old cemetery along the trail with a few old grave markers still visible, some dating back to 1871. Beyond the cemetery, you cross a small stream, pass through the woods, and before reaching the park road, go around a gate. Within the next few miles you will pass under some power lines, go by numerous rock outcrops, hike a ridge top, go past waterfalls, and finally arrive at the backcountry camping area. From here (Red Cedar Camping Area), the trail passes through open pasture, past numerous small creeks, and through woods and beautiful valleys. Two small ponds just off the trail here are stocked with fish. The trail then goes past another waterfall, over a park road, along wildlife food plots, and over Indian Creek before getting back to the trailhead.

Maps: There is a line map in the book described above. USGS Map is the 7-1/2 minute quad sheet for Makanda, IL 1:24000.