Hike This Stairway To Nowhere In Illinois For A Magical Woodland Adventure
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published September 06, 2020
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There’s a stone stairway hidden in a natural area in Ozark, Illinois that is like a stairway to heaven. These steps are like nothing you’ve ever seen in the Land of Lincoln. Nature lovers will certainly flock to this amusement park of natural wonders. Check it out:
Situated within the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, Bell Smith Springs was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980 and is characterized by its incredible rock formations and beautiful streams.
One of the most captivating features is a set of stone stairs that lead to essentially nowhere. Found along one of the eight miles of trail, this unique attraction is worth finding and exploring.
The stairs are steep and stretch to the top of a rock formation. Caution is advised when climbing these stairs as they are narrow and may be slippery if wet.
Those who come upon this unique formation feel as if they've entered an entirely different world. Bell Smith Springs is southern Illinois at its finest.
The recreation area is excellent to visit any time of the year. Spring and summer are the most popular, but those who enjoy fall hikes will find beautiful views here too.
In addition to hiking, visitors enjoy swimming in the various natural pools found along the trails here. This beautiful oasis is truly something out of this world.
Camping is available in the area for those who need more than a day to explore this area. The Shawnee National Forest is full of hidden wonders that deserve your attention.