Bork's Falls - Midwest Nomad Family The park was established in the 1920s. According to AllTrails.com, the longest waterfall trail in Ferne Clyffe State Park is. Cedar Bluff Trail This 3-mile out and back trail is located in a remote portion of the park away from the main state park property. Ferne Clyffe State Park - RV LIFE Campground Reviews Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. This trail features very scenic overlooks which are great for viewing the lake with fall colors. This trail used to be the road to access the park from Goreville and the only way into the park. while supporting the Byway and the communities along the byway. You can also begin this hike from Happy Hollow Road. Ferne Clyffe State Park - A Secret Oasis in Southern Illinois I hiked the Ferne Clyffe State Park trails right after the snow and it was amazing. This Johnson County, Illinois location article is a stub. The drive usually takes around 25 minutes taking you along a route pass Devils Kitchen Lake and Little Grassy Lake. Arriving Saturday morning, I was surprised to find the Ferne Clyffe (Fern Cliff) Waterfall hike moderately busy. Ferne Clyffe State Park can be reached from I-57 and I-24. This trail is estimated to be 17.4 km long. Share your experiences with us in the comments below! This is probably one of my favorite easier but still rugged trails within the state park. The creek will cross the trail when it is really wet, and it creates a waterfall as it leaves the trail on the other side. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. I added the Ferne Clyffe Lake Trail for an extra mile, making a keyhole route. If you visit the remote portion of the park, Bork Falls (Hippie Hollow), do note that this particular road is gravel and very rough in some spots. We went without water while there. Bork's Falls is located on the back side of Ferne ClyffeState Park. Ferne Clyffe State Park is a great place to visit if in the Marion and Carbondale area. As one of the premier family hikes in the Shawnee National Forest, the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall is a beautiful escape into nature with a lot to see and do anytime of the year. The trail leads to a 100-foot tall intermittent waterfall. Be the first to leave a review! And if you're looking for a pristine little oasis where you can swim, there's a natural swimming hole at Bell Smith Springs that's one of the state's prettiest hidden gems. Goreville is about 5 minutes away. That waterfall feeds one of the bigger waterfalls on the Rebman Trail. This waterfall generally flows year round, unlike most other waterfalls inShawnee National Forest. 37, turn right (south) on IL Rt. but rather, Which waterfall in Illinois should I visit first? If youre in the southern part of the state and in need of a little retreat, weve discovered a waterfall swimming hole thats straight out of a fantasy, and you really must check it out. Equestrians may not use the trail November 1 to April 30 each year. Have you ever wanted to fly? If traveling south on I-57, take the Goreville exit, #40, approximately 12 miles south of Marion, IL At exit #40 turn left (east), go 5 miles to IL Rt. Shawn hikes, backpacks and visits various forested areas in the Shawnee National Forest, local state parks and other areas promoting outdoor recreational activities to obtain video to show to locals and non-locals alike. Naturally occurring dangerous areas exist within the park, so exercise awareness and caution. Ferne Clyffe State Park in Goreville is rated 8.8 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Accessibility: It is unclear if there are any designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of South Broadway at the west end of the trail. This is another area where you can legally rock climb at. Happily, Illinois has lots of lovely swimming holes that are located all around the state! Bork's Falls, Ferne Clyffe State Park: Oct 2021 - YouTube Ferne Clyffe State Park Guide - Hiking With Shawn The road to this trail at times is very rough due to erosion from rainfall and vehicle use. These trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 3,428 AllTrails community reviews. source: About Ferne Clyffe View More. One of the top trails within Fern Clyffe State Park, Hawk's Cave is an impressive 150 foot sandstone shelter bluff. There is plenty of of variety on this mapped route, featuring a variety of trail surfaces such as single track dirt, gravel jeep roads, and some rocky technical sections. My lil helper and her friend came along for an adventure to the far western side of Ferne Clyffe State Park, off the beaten path to the Bork's Falls waterfal. Enjoy the many hiking trails in this park. The nearest town is Goreville, Illinois, and the nearest connection to a limited-access highway is at Exit 7 on the Illinois portion of Interstate 24. The land for the park was purchased by the state in 1949 from Emma Rebman, and the park is currently operated by the Illinois Department . Huntable acres: 450: Water Acres 2, Timber Acres 408, Open 40; Habitat: The hunting area is a mixture of forested habitat and open spaces.Twenty wildlife openings vary in size from acre to 10 acres and are rotated between wildlife forage and idle residual habitat. Illinois waterfalls are located all around the state, with many being smaller or seasonal cascades that are very dependent on the weather and rainfall. Ferne Clyffe State Park [Bork Falls] - Ohio River Scenic Byway Illinois This 2-mile out and back trail is located in a remote portion of the park away from the main state park property. Parking is by a church please ensure that you give plenty of room for others to park during services. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. Ferne Clyffe State Park: 20201017: Johnson County: Bob Mulcahy: October 17, 2020 - Ferne Clyffe State Park - Hiking Summary by Chris Drone: Pyramid State Park: 20201010: . Bork Falls is also known as Hippie Hollow. This trail also features bluffage, awesome natural cave shelters and can be used for a longer way to Rebman, Hawks Cave and Big Rocky Hollow trails. Looking for a year of day trip adventures? The shelter cave is the main feature of this trail. Well worn path that is for the most part unmarked with the exception of the trailheads. This trail is for Hikers and fisherman only. Hike Less Than A Mile To This Spectacular Waterfall Swimming Hole In Illinois, 5 Unbelievable Illinois Waterfalls Hiding In Plain Sight No Hiking Required, Theres A Waterfall Swimming Hole In Illinois That Will Make Your Summer Complete, This 2-Mile Trail In Illinois Leads To A Cascading Waterfall, The Ottawa Canyon Trail In Illinois Is A 1-Mile Out-And-Back Hike With A Waterfall Finish, You Can Have An Epic Ice Climbing Adventure At These Illinois Falls In The Winter, Waterfall Glen Trail Is A Beginner-Friendly Waterfall Trail In Illinois Thats Great For A Family Hike, A Trail Full Of Scenic Overlooks By Starved Rock Will Lead You To A Waterfall Paradise In Illinois. The lake is an excellent and popular location for photography especially around the time during fall colors. Also on this A great short hikein Ferne Clyffe State Park with a big payoff that is nearly wheel chair accessible with compact crushed gravel as a path. It is said that when this area was private property long before the creation of the state park, those who explored it noticed all the ferns which gave the park part of its name, Ferne Clyffe. Thanks for checking out this guide and please share it with others if youd like to see more of them made! Along this trail, you will see bluffage, scenic creeks, forests and a very scenic overlook on top of the main bluff. Hike among lots of rocky hollows that are fun to explore. The ferns and geology of the area sets this park apart. If traveling on I-24, take exit #7 (Goreville), turn west and go 2 miles to IL Rt. If the thought of a swimming hole hasnt crossed your mind, maybe it should. Big Rocky Hollow Trail This .75-mile out and back trail will take hikers to the most popular point of interest in the entire state park, the main waterfall. Hiking Only! Improve this listing Bork Falls at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Southern Illinois There are 7 waterfall trails in Ferne Clyffe State Park. Ferne Clyffe State Park is an Illinois state park on 2,430 acres (983 ha) in Johnson County, Illinois, United States. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Experience this 3.9-mile out-and-back trail near Buncombe, Illinois. Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Along this trail, you can see bluffage, waterfalls, very scenic creeks, old signs from the past, wildlife plots, various types of forests and even a natural arch. From beginner to hardened veteran eagle scout, there is a campsite for everyone. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Ferne Clyffe State Park. Facebook/Illinois Ozarks Illinoisians travel for miles to take pictures of this amazing natural waterfall most would never expect to find in a Midwest state. Love Illinois? Bring a camera because there will be plenty of photo opportunities. Please use caution and respect the guidelines of the state park. Within the main state park, there is ample parking available. Ferne clyffe state park is located in Johnson County IL just 2 miles south of Goreville on IL-37. In 1923 a tourism group even labeled the park the most beautiful spot in Illinois. We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 8 to 382 meters in elevation gain. From the more modern, or primitive, larger groups, backpackers and even equestrian campers. My wife, having hiked here before during the week when traffic is considerable slower, was also surprised by the lively pace. The lush vegetation of the 2,430-acre Ferne Clyffe State Park, located near the small town of Goreville, hides the fact that directly below the soil, a vast area of rock formations exists. Hiking Only! As I mentioned above, there are a number of options on how you can enjoy Ferne Clyffe State Park. Photos: Waterfalls: Unexpected seasonal beauty of Southern Illinois . The trail leads to a 100-foot tall intermittent waterfall. The road is made up. For more breathtaking Illinois cascades, check out five waterfalls that are easy to access. Ferne Clyffe State Park | Enjoy Illinois There is a lot to see along this trail and some of it includes portions of the River to River Trail. People have died at this state park from falls. A moderately difficult hike that starts at Deer Ridge Campground and also leads to the waterfall. This area has dangerous conditions. The pool at the base of the Ferne Clyffe Waterfall makes for an excellent swimming hole on a hot summer day. This is an easy hike to an exceptional geological feature. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best waterfall trail to hike in Ferne Clyffe State Park is Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail, which has a 4.3 star rating from 710 reviews. Ferne Clyffe State Park - Wikiwand Always watch your step and practice safety first. The people of Goreville protested the closure and it caused quite a stir. Have you done this adventure? 3) Only two water spigots for the entire campground. It's really quite marvelous! This large shelter cave features two fairly large waterfalls when the area is very saturated from rainfall. Tucked away in the picturesque rolling hills of Southern Illinois, our location rests on the highly acclaimed Southern Illinois Wine Trail. Borks Waterfall Trail (Hippie Hollow) This .5-mile out and back trail provides access to the famous Bork Falls waterfall. Ferne Clyffe State Park - Hunt Illinois Great trail of kids of all a. This area gets a very large number of visitors during warmer months, especially on the weekends. The trail was named after Emma Rebman, a very famous woman who once lived on the land that is now the park. This is a moderately difficult hiking trail and available to hikers only. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Horseback riders can ride directly to their own Class C Equestrian campground on the trail or drive to it in their vehicles. When riding an eBike in Southern Illinois, you will find yourself deeply immersed in the regions magnificent scenery. This is a moderately difficult hiking trail with rolling hills and creek crossings. Rosiclare, Illinois 62982-0746. Up to 25 riders can be accommodated at the site, which includes picnic tables, drinking water, cooking grills, toilets, parking and showers. There is no shortage of great rock formations to view or stones to be tossed into the creek. The trail leads to a 100-foot tall intermittent waterfall. Although traffic upon it has been practically non-existent since 1982, Ferne Clyffe is also accessible to US Bicycle Route 76 by way of a spur trail along the east side of IL 37. Enjoy a getaway to nearby Southern Illinois with Shawnee National Forest Cabins. This waterfall generally flows year round, unlike most other waterfalls in Shawnee National Forest. Camping is available at Ferne Clyffe State Park, both electrical and non-electrical sites as well as backpacker and equestrian camping. This trail is considered rugged with rolling hills and difficult terrain. And if you're interested in camping there are several campgrounds in the immediate area. According to AllTrails.com, there are 5 camping trails in Ferne Clyffe State Park and the most popular is Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail with an average 4.3 star rating from 711 community reviews. The waterfall almost always is wet, but the Just south of the Lakeview Picnic Shelter is the 53-acre Round Bluff Nature Preserve. In continuing with our waterfall theme, this Wine And Waterfalls Day Trip is just over an hour and a half, and visits some truly breathtaking places in Illinois. This trail is mostly easy but there are points where you have to cross a creek by the waterfalls that will be rocky. The nearest town is Goreville, Illinois, and the nearest connection to a limited-access highway is at Exit 7 on the Illinois portion of Interstate 24. The River to River Trail also runs through Ferne Clyffe State Park as well. Swimming holes on this list include Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park, Kincaid Lake, and Illinois Beach State Park. This waterfall is located in a remote section of Ferne Clyffe State Park. The bottom of the falls is accessible from either side of the ravine with a very short hike. Ferne Clyffe State Park Waterfall Hike - Southern Illinois 2) Second site was not level and had missing/sliding gravel. There is no better way to introduce your kids to the wonders of nature than to take them on a journey that immerses them into the woods, where the Moms Guide to the Shawnee National Forest. This .25-mile loop trail is one of the official areas where you can legally rock climb in the park. This trail is open to hikers and equestrian users. The ORSB has developed several advertising opportunities If the park is open, this is a wonderful spot to see a nice frozen waterfall! High Ridge Trail This 1.5-mile out and back trail splits off Big Buck Creek Trail and follows a high ridge line. You can also support us by purchasing official merch from the Hiking with Shawn online store. Ferne Clyffe State Park - Tripadvisor This is a very large waterfall and natural cave shelter that is fairly easy to get to. Check out this map for directions to get to Ferne Clyffe State Park. Explore one of 6 easy hiking trails in Ferne Clyffe State Park that are great for the whole family. First, I spotted a 5 foot wide by 20 foot long bridge crossing over the small creek. Aside from the lake and the hardwood and pine forests around it, there isnt much else to see. Park trails would benefit from color-coded trail blazes. This is an isolated area of the massive sandstones that form the canyons of Ferne Clyffe State Park. Springfield, IL 62702 Let us know in the comments. The campground is well-shaded by an abundance of trees, and you must protect the trees by tying horses to the hitching rails. Filming the videos, taking the photos, editing everything and writing this article takes time and its all provided for free. Only park grills or personal cookstoves should be used for cooking fires to avoid the possibility of damaging the site. Bork's Falls | Outdoor Project Description The Ferne Clyffe State Park is an outstanding natural scenic area. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. I felt fascinated by these giant and spectacular formations surrounding me on both sides and, at times, could of spent several minutes there studying them if it were not for my kids wanting to get to the waterfall. Hikers should always yield to horseback riders and speak to them calmly, so the horse knows that you are not a threat. The roads leading to the falls are not in the best condition, so choose a vehicle with a fair amount of ground clearance. There are many scenic views along this trail including creek and bluffage. The people of Goreville protested the closure and it caused quite a stir, worth researching. 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. Ferne Clyffe State Park is a very beautiful and scenic Illinois state park located in the center of the southern Illinois region. There have been falls leading to fatalities from the top of this waterfall. Take the waterfall trail at Ferne Cliffe State Park and hike to Bork Falls, where you can cool off in this beautiful blue-green waterfall swimming pool. The park offers all types of adventures from backpacking and hiking to camping and fishing on Ferne Lake. Please note that the park does not allow motorized vehicles or bicycles on the trails. Burden Falls in Pope County is one of the most popular waterfalls in the state, and considered the largest in the Land of Lincoln. This falls is located near Goreville, Illinois on Regent Ln. Waterfalls Near Me In Illinois: Bork Falls Waterfall Swimming Hole If wet, expect to get wet and dress appropriately. In the early years people would slide down the waterfall from the top and quickly grab a bar (that is no longer there) towards the end to ensure they didnt fly off the cliff. The first climb to the top of the bluffs is challenging, but easy after that. Cross the stepping stones over the creek to find a place where the trail forks in three. Do note that since the area is an official nature preserve, you may only hike on designed trails to help protect the precious ecosystem within the area. The abundance of ferns and towering rock cliffs led to the park's name. The section isn't even attached to the main park. What will you be doing to cool off this summer? Maybe that will happen in the future, hopefully. Get more stories delivered right to your email. This is a fairly rugged trail as there are rolling hills, difficult terrains and creeks present. This 1-mile loop trail is located in the remote area near Cedar Bluff. Get more stories delivered right to your email. These waterfall trails have an average 4.4-star rating from 2,658 AllTrails community reviews. There are several popular swimming holes around the state, like the one at Bell Smith Springs, but theres a lesser-known waterfall feeding into a stunning turquoise pool that everyone should add to their summertime bucket list. Experience this 0.7-mile out-and-back trail near Goreville, Illinois. #9 - Broken Boulder, Happy Hollow, Round Bluff Trails Loops. Bork's Waterfall, Bobcat Loop Trail, Big Buck Creek Trail, Broken Boulder, Happy Hollow, Round Bluff Trails Loops. This large shelter cave features two fairly large waterfalls when the area is very saturated from rainfall. How many trails are in Ferne Clyffe State Park? Giant City versus Ferne Clyffe: Which State Park is Better? There have been falls leading to fatalities from the top of this waterfall. An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant communities create an atmosphere that enhances the many recreational facilities offered at the park. What is the longest waterfall trail in Ferne Clyffe State Park? The sign for the start of this trail is fairly hidden away in the forest and many people dont even realize it is there. Bork's Waterfall Trail is a .5 mile long trail that provides access to the base of the waterfall. Noteworthy destinations on the day trip include Burden Falls, Jackson Falls, and Cache River Basin Vineyard & Winery. Parking is allowed in designated parking areas only! Goreville is about 5 minutes away. Boats of any type or swimming is not allowed within the lake. #4 - Bork's Waterfall, Bobcat Loop Trail, Big Buck Creek Trail. There is plenty of bluffage, a very scenic creek, cave shelters and even carving from long before the land was turned into a state park. Cons: 1) Electrical problems: the box at our site kept tripping and we had to move sites. Come and cool off in these calm cerulean waters! Here are eight little-known swimming spots in Illinois that offer plenty of fun -- minus the crowds! An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant communities create an atmosphere that enhances the many recreational facilities offered at the park. Pinnon Lake cabins are ten tranquil minutes from the edge of Shawnee National Forest. Are there any other swimming holes in Illinois? Ferne Clyffe State Park - Tripadvisor This .5-mile out and back trail provides access to the famous Bork Falls waterfall. There are a lot of pavilions with playgrounds that are all very well kept, not to mention there is a waterfall in Shawnee Forest with climbing opportunities! Enjoy the screened in porch at dusk and view the wildlife that wanders freely through the woods. Parking is by a church please ensure that you give plenty of room for others to park during services. http://shawneehillsoutdoors.com Borks Falls located on the detached section of Ferne Clyffe State Park. There are 12 trails in Ferne Clyffe State Park. This path is wheelchair and stroller friendly and is one of the best hikes for beginners and families in the Shawnee National Forest area. The Big Rocky Hollow Trail isn't the only trail that starts at the parking area. Email: . Now, you can. Enjoy the many hiking trails in this park. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. You can also access the backpackers and horse campground from this particular trail. Other trails and recreation areas near Ferne Clyffe State Park include Dutchman Lake, Bulge Hole, Odum Tract and Tunnel Hill State Trail. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Looking for a more strenuous hike? Located deep within Ferne Clyffe State Park of the Illinois Ozarks is Bork's Falls which plunges into a lovely pool below. This hike is very scenic giving you views of the Big Buck Creek, hillsides, old signs from the past and plenty of bluffage as well. Bork Falls is located inside Ferne Clyffe State Park. 37, you will see the park entrance 1 mile south of Goreville. The Most Amazing Natural Spectacles Near Chicago How many waterfall trails are in Ferne Clyffe State Park?