Heartland rocks! Impressive rock formations to visit in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois

With the arrival of spring, there's no better way to enjoy the pleasant weather than by visiting one of the many fascinating rock formations that Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois have to offer. Whether you seek adventure by hiking the trail to the towering cliff face of Inspiration Point or want to explore the history contained in the petroglyphs of Washington State Park, there is much to discover in the Heartland.

Pickle Springs Natural Area -- Farmington, Missouri

Pickle Springs Natural Area James Baughn

Pickle Springs is an interesting area, known not only for its fascinating sandstone formations, but also for the wide variety of rare plant life that thrives in the microclimate found here.

"The sandstone outcroppings are definitely the most unique thing about this park; you don't find anything like this in the area," says Becky Fletcher, a resource forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

"Pickle Springs has got to be one of the most beloved attractions in Southeast Missouri," she adds. "We receive many, many visitors; sometimes even more than the parking lot can handle! In fact, some of our trails are nearly being loved to death, with erosion occurring simply from use."

The "Trail Through Time" loop that winds through the Pickle Springs Natural Area is 1.9 miles long, described by Fletcher as a "moderate trail system, some ups and downs with rocky areas. It is a beautiful climb through the Ozarks."

Garden of the Gods -- Harrisburg, Illinois

The most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods has a collection of some of the most iconic rock formations in the Midwest. With an easy 0.5-mile loop trail, the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is accessible for all skill levels. While on the hike, visitors have the chance to see the famous Camel Rock, Anvil Rock and Devil's Smoke Stack rock formations. More trails of varying lengths twine throughout the area, making this either a quick hike or a full-day adventure.

Larue-Pine Hills: Inspiration Point -- Grand Tower, Illinois

Inspiration Point James Baughn

A little off the beaten path is a view well worth the climb. Pine Hills offers impressive 150-foot limestone bluffs, the highest of which is named "Inspiration Point." The view from the top of the trail, perched on the jagged rock outcroppings, overlooks a breathtaking piece of Illinois landscape. The hike from the parking lot is short, but steep. Hikers should be aware of the sheer drop-offs and rough terrain.

Onondaga Cave State Park -- Leasburg, Missouri

Onondaga Cave State Park is an excellent option for anyone wanting to explore the underground experience. Onondaga Cave offers a plethora of attractions due to the variety of its deposit formations. Stalagmites, stalactites, soda straws, flowstones, draperies, rimstone dams and cave coral can be found throughout the cave, creating many points of interest for the visitors. The cave is open for tours every day beginning in mid-April and ending in mid-October. The tours cost $15 for adults, $9 for children and are free for ages 6 and younger.

Ferne Clyffe State Park -- Goreville, Illinois

Hawk's Cave at Ferne Clyffe State Park James Baughn

Named for the lush abundance of ferns that grow in the area, Ferne Clyffe State Park covers 2,430 acres and draws at least 200,000 visitors each year. It is well known for its beautiful rock formations, the most popular being Hawks' Cave, a long shelter bluff, and the 100-foot-tall waterfall that can be seen from the Big Rocky Hollow trail. A variety of wildlife and plant life can be observed from any of the trails.

Bonne Terre Mine -- Bonne Terre, Missouri

Labeled by National Geographic as "One of America's Top 10 Great Adventures," Bonne Terre Mine is a spectacular location to have a near-to-home adventure. It boasts one of the largest man-made caverns in the world. The activities found in this underground wonderland are diverse and vary by level. The upper two levels of this five-level mine are lighted, with guided, hourlong tours being conducted along the old mule trails that the miners themselves dug. The three levels below are part of the billion-gallon lake which is used as a diving resort. On these lower levels, visitors can either take a boat trip or suit up and take a dive in the world's largest freshwater diving resort.

Elephant Rocks State Park -- Ironton, Missouri

Elephant Rocks State Park James Baughn

No place in Missouri is more famous for its rocks than Elephant Rocks State Park. The lumbering pink boulders that dot this unique stretch of landscape are aptly named. With large rocks for the more experienced climber and plenty of picturesque trails for the more sedate explorer, this park has something to offer for everyone. Ironton, Missouri, offers a quaint setting to accommodate the thousands of visitors who make their way through Elephant Rocks State Park each year.

Washington State Park -- De Soto, Missouri

A unique experience is offered at Washington State Park: It not only has its own impressive natural rock formations, but it also contains the largest group of petroglyphs (rock carvings) yet discovered in Missouri.

Headline Bold:Inspiration Point (photo by Laura Monahan)

"You might say the park history is carved in stone -- both the petroglyph rock carvings and the stone and wood structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1743," says Sharon Hultberg, superintendent of the park. "The view from the scenic overlook containing a stone gazebo [built by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company] brings many people to the park." Washington State Park offers three trails of varying lengths, all of which are rugged and moderately difficult.