By:
Submission
From north: Take I-57 South to the Route 13 exit (Carbondale - Exit 54B), head west (right) on Rt. 13 toward Carbondale, go approximately 15 miles. Look for Wal-Mart on your right. Turn left at this light (Giant City Road). Continue 12 miles to the south. Giant City Road will lead you into the park. From the south: Follow I-24 to I-57 North, or stay on I-57, to the Rt. 148 exit (Exit #45), head NW on 148 for approximately 2 miles. Turn left on Grassy Road. There is a convenience store on this corner. Follow Grassy Road for 5-7 miles. Stay left when you come to a Y. Continue southwest on Grassy Road. Grassy Road will come to a T at Giant City Road. Turn south (left) on Giant City Road. Continue approximately 4 miles to the park.
The visitors center is lovely, and very educational.
The employee working wasn't overly helpful, and not at all educated on the park. Not sure I've ever seen a map so poorly made.
The trails are not marked. Infact, after chatting with several locals they all said, it's been a long time problem. There are dozens of trails, that are not on the map, the cross over " marked" trails which makes it confusing since the marked trails aren't marked.
Campground looked nice , but we didn't stay here, just drive through...
The Devils standtable is a trail we took, when we got off on another trail , which ended up on post oak trail, to which we just turned around and went back the way came, after stopping a local and asking for help. The actual trail was cool. The unofficial trail was nice, had I not been worried we were gonna be list forever 🤣.
Seems a common problem the illinois DNR , doesn't sound money to maintain trails,maps, or educate employees, from what I've seen this weekend....
Really great place in Southern Illinois to spend a weekend. There alot of easy trails to hike and nice cabins to stay in and a very restaurant. Horseback riding too.
We visit this State Park every year to RV camp and trail hike. We really enjoy the 80’ climbing and rappelling wall. I believe there are 12/13 climbing routes and the rappelling transition off the top is almost zero….easiest you could every have (perfect for new users) The only negative is there’s no water in the park to swim during the summer. The lodge has a small pool but it’s for lodge guest only. Camp ground is electric only with water spigots spaced throughout the campground.
Giant City State Park is AWESOME! Not much has changed since my first visit 35 yrs ago, and that is what makes it AMAZING. Its beautiful, hiking paths and everything else you would expect in a state park. But wait, there's more.
The Lodge at Giant City State Park has amazing food, go there on Sunday for the all you can eat fried chicken with all of the fixings. It is delicious!
If you wanted to get away for a few days or a week, they have cabins available for rent.
Giant city state park is a must see/must visit.
