Exploring the Little Grand Canyon Walking Trail

Little Grand Canyon in Shawnee National Forest is one of the most loved places to go on a hike in Southern Illinois thus far. While it may not seem to be much at the beginning of the trail, the Little Grand Canyon is a must and a hike you will not soon forget. The trail is a 3.6-mile loop, which you can break up into a section to overlook, but the 3-mile loop makes this trail amazing.

The difficulty level is moderate to strenuous, depending on your fitness level. Most parts of the Little Grand Canyon walking trail involve stepping down and back up through the Canyon. The Canyon has a series of cascades running through it, especially in the spring when algae grows, creating slick surfaces. Ensure you watch your step and take your time.

What makes the Little Grand Canyon unique?

The Grand Canyon offers the most visible example of a worldwide geological phenomenon. It is known as the Great Unconformity, where 250 million-year-old rock strata and 1.2 billion-year-old rocks lie back-to-back. What happened during the hundreds of millions of years between remains largely a mystery today! 

Of all the Grand Canyon facts, this one is pretty cool: it creates its weather. Sudden elevation changes have a significant impact on temperature and precipitation. Therefore, the weather you may be experiencing could vary drastically depending on where you are in the Canyon. The Bright Angel Ranger Station on the North Rim is the coldest and wettest weather station, while the hottest and driest is just 8 miles away at Phantom Ranch.

Best times to visit the Little Grand Canyon

April and October are the most favorable and beautiful times due to the spring wildflowers and fall colors. However, spring and fall are generally the peak seasons in the Shawnee Forest.

Tips For Your First Time Hiking The Little Grand Canyon

• Allow twice the time to come up: Unlike many other hikes, at the Grand Canyon, you go down first rather than hiking up. Let it take extra time for the ascension at a slower pace if you need to rest and catch your breath.
• Plan your hike: Aim for the maximum distance you can realistically cover and the time it’ll take, and stick to the plan. 
• Go early: Leave for the hike a little before to avoid the busiest times and the hottest heat.
• Take plenty of water: A few trail points have water stops, but not all. The visitor center has an insightful guide to the trails and how much water you’ll need for them.
• Carry food/snacks: Energy bars are a great option for mid-hike snacks.
• Wear decent shoes: A pair of sturdy trainers is enough for shorter trails. However, hiking boots can be an advantage for the rocky paths of the South Kaibab Trail.
• Always hike with someone else: Ideally, someone with hiking experience, if you lack one, will happily go at your pace. 
• Be aware of the temperature: It gets hotter when you make your way to the Canyon. Always be prepared at the top, wearing thin layers of clothes you can remove as you go down.
• Wear sun cream: Carry it with you on the hike, especially for the parts of the trail where you’re completely exposed to the sun. A cap and sunglasses are also helpful. 

What will you see on the Little Grand Canyon Trail?

The Little Grand Canyon Walking Trail in the Shawnee National Forest offers unique and unforgettable views. The highlight is walking up and down a cascade of waterfalls. Steps and grips have been carved into the rock to make it safer, but it can still be slippery, especially when wet.

Starting near the restrooms and going clockwise, the first mile is easy on rolling hills. You’ll reach Chalk Bluff Overlook, which offers a stunning view of the Big Muddy River below. Be cautious if you explore beyond the overlook, as climbing down is restricted and dangerous.

As you descend into the canyon, the trail becomes steeper and leads into the cascade section. Take care with each step, as the rocks can be slick. Roots on the trail can also be slippery, especially when wet. This trail isn’t suitable for young children or pets that wander off.

At the bottom, you’ll find breathtaking views of bluffs, waterfalls, rock formations, creeks, and natural features like rock windows and holes. Depending on river levels, you may need to navigate around floodwater, which could block parts of the trail.

Overall, it’s a challenging but rewarding hike with spectacular scenery.

The bottom line

Exploring the Little Grand Canyon Walking Trail is a lovely adventure in nature. You’ll see beautiful cliffs and calm rivers, perfect for enjoying quiet time or feeling close to nature. So, put on your walking shoes, take a deep breath of fresh air, and let this trail guide you to moments of peace and beauty. It’s a great chance to experience the natural wonders that wait for you along the way.