Garden of the Gods Wilderness

Join the Co-op for a day hike at Garden of the Gods Wilderness in the Shawnee National Forest. The area boasts numerous bluffs and vistas above oak-hickory forests.

We'll hike in a counter-clockwise loop in the Wilderness areas.

• Distance: up to 8 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trails: 001, 108J, 001A, 152B

We'll carpool from Lowe's (Oak Grove Rd) in Evansville. It's about 2hr each direction.

===== ALL TIMES ARE LISTED IN CENTRAL DAYLIGHT (CDT) =====

WHERE/WHEN TO MEET:

• 7:30a - Carpool departs from Evansville (USI)
• 9:00a - Arrive at Garden of the Gods
• 11:00a - Lunch on the trail
• 2:30p - Depart for Evansville
• 4:30p - Arrive in Evansville

WHAT TO BRING:

• sturdy shoes for hiking
• water (1L minimum, for drinking) and snacks
• packed lunch (in your day bag)
• sunscreen and bug spray
• walking stick (recommended) or hiking poles
• extra socks (recommended)
• water shoes + small towel (optional, for crossing creeks)

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• AGILITY: The trails are littered with loose stones in some areas. Good footing will be required in some sections of this trail.
• TICKS: Your only defenses are long pants and/or permethrin.
• POISON IVY: Poison ivy is prevalent along the trails; I recommend wearing long pants or socks.

OTHER THINGS TO NOTE:

• Trails are rated as Moderate to Difficult.
• There are vault toilets available.

COST:

• No cost to use this trail system.

GROUND RULES:

• No children
• Dogs permitted, on a 6-ft non-retractable leash within recreational areas (such as parking lots, picnic areas)

MAPS / INFORMATION:

• Carpool from USI, Lot A (Google Maps)
• Trailhead (Google Maps)
• Trail System Overview