Natural Attractions

Bald Knob Cross
One of the most visible and most famous of Southern Illinois' attractions, the 111-foot cross tops Bald Knob Mountain near Alto Pass in Union County. When illuminated at night, it can be seen for miles. The road winding up to the cross is an adventure in itself, and the view from the top of Bald Knob is spectacular year-round. Thousands attend the Easter sunrise services that have been conducted annually since 1937. In 1951, the Bald Knob Christian Foundation Inc. began efforts to place a permanent shrine on Bald Knob Mountain, the highest point in Southern Illinois. Ground was broken in 1959 and the cross finished in 1963.
618-893-2344 or 618-833-8672  http://www.shawneeheartland.com/baldknob.html

Little Grand Canyon
Nature's beauty abounds within this deep ravine accessible by a three-mile long trail that descends into the forest then ascends to the bluff where the Mississippi River is visible on clear days. Hiking shoes are recommended. To find Southern Illinois' smaller version of the Grand Canyon, go seven miles south of Murphysboro on Illinois 127, turn right on Etherton Road. Take the third turnoff to the trail entrance.
 

10 minutes southwest of Murphysoro
618-687-1731 or 1-800-526-1500
http://www.cctb.org/

Oakwood Bottoms/Greentree Reservoir Bottomland habitat for ducks and migrating waterfowl. From Murphysboro, take Illinois 149 west to Illinois 3, then south past the turnoff for Gorham. Entrance to area is on the west side of road.

1-800-669-6637 or 1-800-526-1500
http://www.cctb.org/
 

Pomona Natural Bridge
This beautiful stone bridge, near Pomona in the Jackson County portion of the Shawnee National Forest, is one of only a handful of natural bridges in the United States. It has a span of 90 feet and is between 6-and 9-feet wide. (South of Murphysboro on Route 127)  Natural Bridge Road, Pomona.

1-800-669-6637 or 1-800-526-1500
http://www.cctb.org/  
 

Shawnee Saltpetre Cave
Nature's own amphitheater, Illinois' largest bluff shelter features strange rock formations, a roaring waterfall, picnic tables, nature trails. Check out the Web site for scheduled events. 3747 Highway 127, Murphysboro. Localted 10 minutes south of Murphysboro.

1-618-687-9663
http://www.cavefest.fws1.com/ 

Tower Rock 
The Jackson County city of Grand Tower took its name from Tower Rock, a small rocky island on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River. At one time, a large crucifix was placed on the island by Catholic  missionaries. The rock has long been feared by riverboat captains because of the rapid currents that swirl at its base. A navigational point for early explorers, this rock formation actually sits on the Missouri side of the Mississippi River, but its namesake community rests on River's Illinois shore. Lewis and Clark visited Tower Rock.