Giant City State Park - Makanda, IL
February 7, 2015
Today was break from the cold of winter. We enjoyed a trip to Giant City State Park in Southern Illinois that saw the temperature reach nearly 60 degrees! We took the opportunity to spend a few hours on a few of the trails offered at Giant City.
Our first hike was on the 1 mile Giant City Nature Trail. This is the most popular and crowded hike at the park. It was not too difficult and was a great beginning hike for the new year.
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| Walking along the "Streets of Giant City" with my brother. |
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| My brother and I cheezin' between some cliffs. |
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| I hope it doesn't fall on me! |
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| The sandstone bluffs that Native Americans used as shelter. |
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| Grumpy old man! |
Just for fun, I reenacted one of my favorite scenes from one of my favorite movies. Enjoy!
We had a great day and enjoyed the beautiful weather!
For more information, visit http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/Landmgt/parks/r5/GC.HTM.
Notes for Parents, by parents:
Our hikes were all moderate and short in length, and our children found them all easy. We also completed the 1/3 mile Arrowwood Self-Interpretive Nature Trail. This trail was easy and took you to several different labeled tree species. The only dangerous part of the hike was during the Giant City Nature Trail. There are some decent drop offs near the trail, but the most danger is if you climb up the bluffs. There are at least two "paths" that people have used to climb up on top of the "streets" to look back down onto the trail. We made the climb up, but coming down was fairly steep and could be slippery. Please watch your children on top of the bluffs and if you take these "paths." Otherwise, this park was a fairly easy place to hike with the family!
