Trails / Illinois / Shawnee National Forest

River to River Trail: Elizabethtown to Garden of the Gods (via High Knob)

Shawnee National Forest, from the Ohio River at Elizabethtown (Hardin County) to Garden of the Gods

The River to River Trail begins on the bank of the Ohio River beside the historic Rose Hotel in Elizabethtown and runs roughly 160 miles across southern Illinois to the Mississippi. Its first 21.6 miles, to the backpackers’ parking lot at Garden of the Gods, make a two-day overnight: lakes and creek bottoms, an old iron furnace, the long view from High Knob, and the rock formations around Buzzards Point.

It’s point to point, so plan a shuttle. The River to River Trail Society’s online guide is the best route source.

The hike

The Society’s guide, revised in April 2024, starts at mile 0 at the Rose Hotel, which it calls a state historic landmark run as a bed and breakfast. It recommends parking at the courthouse Sheriff’s Office rather than by the hotel. The trail climbs Locust Street, crosses Highway 146, and heads north out of town.

Around mile 3, the trail passes Whoopie Cat Lake, and at about mile 3.6 it reaches a clearing near the dam at Lake Tecumseh. The guide warns that “it is very easy to miss this turn, because the trail leaves a clearly-defined roadbed to turn sharply into the woods.” It then climbs about 120 feet and drops to Hog Thief Creek, where it cautions that “the muddy banks can make crossing difficult,” and notes Virginia bluebells growing “in lush profusion” along the creek in spring.

After Hog Thief Road, the trail follows North Iron Furnace Road for 0.4 mile; the guide says the Illinois Iron Furnace historic site, with restrooms and parking, is 0.3 mile west past the Big Creek bridge. About six miles of woods follow to Basset Road (little parking there), then the trail passes the old Lee Mine site, crosses Cadiz Road, and reaches Karbers Ridge Road at about mile 14.4.

A mile north of Karbers Ridge Road, the trail meets the original route from Camp Cadiz and Battery Rock; the guide no longer recommends the Battery Rock leg. At about mile 17.6, it crosses High Knob Lane. The guide calls the view from High Knob “wonderful and one of the best on the trail,” with picnic tables and a small lot, but says “camping at the overlook is not allowed.” The Society’s High Knob brochure adds that old fire tower foundations sit on a grassy mound near the parking area. Backpacker’s 2013 trip through this area describes “360-degree views” from an old fire tower site.

Just downhill is High Knob Horse Camp, a private camp the guide says has “a small store with some supplies and delicious ice cream” and a pump where hikers can refill with permission. Between High Knob Road and Garden of the Gods Road, the guide points out side trails to Twin Towers, Rhombus Rock, Mushroom Rock, and the slot canyons and shelters around Buzzards Point. The trail reaches Garden of the Gods Road at mile 20.1 and the Backpackers’ parking lot at 21.6.

To keep going west, see the Garden of the Gods loop and One Horse Gap.

Tips

Park at the courthouse. The guide suggests the Sheriff’s Office lot in Elizabethtown, not the Rose Hotel.
Watch the Lake Tecumseh turn. The trail leaves the roadbed sharply into the woods.
Filter all water. The guide says creeks and springs shouldn’t be drunk without filtering, because of farming in the region.
Follow the blue “i”. The guide says most of the trail is marked with white diamonds with a blue “i.”
Go spring or fall. The guide calls March to early May and late September through December the best times.
Treat for ticks. It recommends repellent, long sleeves and pants, and permethrin-treated clothing.

Camping

The Shawnee doesn’t require permits for dispersed camping. The Forest Service’s occupancy order limits stays to 14 days in a 28-day period and bans camping within a quarter mile of developed campgrounds or picnic areas, and its recreation guide says no primitive camping within 150 feet of water or in natural areas. Camping isn’t allowed at the High Knob overlook, per the Society’s guide. Near the end, the Garden of the Gods Wilderness limits groups to 10 people. Overnight parking at Garden of the Gods is only allowed at the Backpackers’ parking lot, per the Forest Service.

Inside Intel: The Society’s guide says Lake Tecumseh offers potential camping early in the hike, and that the first 0.3 mile beyond the Backpackers’ parking lot, along a bluff with a few overlooks, has “several popular camping spots” because they’re close to parking. Backpacker’s 2013 trip suggested caching a gallon of water per person at Garden of the Gods before a dry camp.

Trail facts

Distance: 21.6 miles one way
Route type: Point-to-point
Difficulty: Moderate
Campsites: Dispersed; Lake Tecumseh area (about mile 3.6); not at the High Knob overlook
Water: Lake Tecumseh, Hog Thief Creek, Big Creek (filter); pump at High Knob Horse Camp with permission
Permits: None
Markings: White diamonds with a blue “i”; brown markers in wilderness
Trailheads: Rose Hotel, Elizabethtown (mile 0); Backpackers’ parking lot, Garden of the Gods (mile 21.6)
Last verified: October 7, 2026

The Lowdown

From the Ohio River to High Knob:

The store at High Knob Horse Camp is the only resupply on these 21.6 miles, so pack the rest of your meals from Elizabethtown. See the camp meals reviewers like.

See the picks →

Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.