Few People Know One Of Illinois' Most Popular State Parks Is Hiding A Dark And Terrifying Secret
By Trent Jonas|Published October 14, 2022
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Trent Jonas
Author
Trent Jonas came to Minnesota to attend college - and never left. He's a Twin Cities-based writer with a BA in English and a MFA in creative writing, a Minnesota Master Naturalist, and the proud father of two adult children. With more than a decade of freelance writing experience under his belt, Trent is often out exploring his favorite topics: Minnesota's woods, lakes, and trails. Rhubarb pie is his weakness, so discovering new diners is also a passion.
Folks flock to Ferne Clyffe State Park, in southern Illinois, for its reputation as one of the state’s most beautiful places. However, its perils – of which visitors are often unaware – make Ferne Clyffe one of the most dangerous state parks in Illinois.
You'll find Ferne Clyffe State Park in the rugged bluff country of southern Illinois, between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers and adjacent to the Shawnee National Forest.
However, the same rugged terrain that makes the park beautiful also hides dangers to visitors.
The park boasts scenic geological features and unique plant communities, like the namesake ferns that can be found throughout the park's 2,400 mostly-forested acres.
Inside the park's 53-acre Round Bluff Nature Preserve, in fact, visitors are required to stay on the trail for their own safety, as well as that of the plant and animal communities in the preserve.
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Many of the trails wind their way through and above the park's limestone bluffs.
Several people have died in falls at Ferne Clyffe. Most falls occur when people wander too close to cliff edges or fail to account for how slippery the rock surfaces can become when they're wet.
Three species of venomous snakes live in the park.
Copperheads, timber rattlesnakes, and cottonmouth water moccasins make their homes in the park. They don't typically pose a threat to humans unless disturbed.
Visitors who use common sense and adhere to park rules generally encounter no trouble in the park.
When you visit Ferne Clyffe, wear sturdy shoes – with traction devices in winter months – and consider using trekking poles. As always, bring plenty of water, a hat, and a jacket, as well as insect repellant and sunscreen during summer. Have you visited Ferne Clyffe State Park? Did you encounter anything that made you feel unsafe?
