Jackson: Rock Art, Lakes and Sandstone

Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area lies on the border between Randolph County and Jackson County. Nearly 200 prehistoric rock art images give the area a cultural and historical focus; they are believed to date from the Late Woodland and Mississippi periods. A hiking trail runs along a cliff edge above the creek. There, you can encounter both the images and a route that makes the creek a reference point in the landscape.

Rock Art and Archaeological Traces

Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area covers 198 acres. Lake Murphysboro State Park offers a different archaeological perspective: evidence of Native American Archaic and Paleolithic cultures has been found there. The two sites have different focuses: prehistoric rock art is central at the ravine, while the state park features archaeological finds. Lake Murphysboro State Park covers 1,022 acres and is located in Jackson County. If you are interested in the region's history, you can include two different kinds of archaeological evidence in your travel plans.

Hiking Trails and Nature Observation

When choosing a hike, it is worth comparing the listed trail lengths. Lake Murphysboro State Park has a designated 2-mile trail where you can observe plants, animals and birds. The Red Cedar Hiking Trail is 12 miles long, with an overnight camping area halfway along it. These distances give you different ways to estimate the length of hike you have planned. Conditions on the designated trail may vary. Camping conditions along the Red Cedar Hiking Trail may vary seasonally; keep this in mind when planning an overnight stay.

Fern Rocks offers its own natural focus. This 170-acre preserve lies within Giant City State Park and includes high-quality dry and mesic upland forests, cliffs and rock outcrops. Hiking, birdwatching and nature study are among the activities available there. The mix of forest types and rock formations makes Fern Rocks especially interesting if, on an outing, you want to take in a range of natural features rather than simply follow a trail.

Sandstone, Lake and Getting Your Bearings

The Giant City Nature Trail leads to the “Giant City Streets,” massive sandstone bluffs formed 12,000 years ago. Exhibits at the Giant City Visitor Center explain the park's geology, plants, animals and history; you can also find information about regional tourism there. The trail and the visitor center offer different points of interest: the striking sandstone formation outdoors, and topics related to nature and park history inside the center.

Kinkaid Lake is in Jackson County and covers 2,750 acres. Sandstone formations along the cliffs and gentle hills surround the lake; oak and hickory trees predominate on the hills. Four boat ramps and a full-service marina add boating amenities to the landscape. Facilities may be subject to temporary conditions, so it is worth checking their current status before your visit. Lake Murphysboro Hill Prairies, a preserve, is also located in southwestern Jackson County, within Lake Murphysboro State Park.

Event and Trip Planning

Whole hog, pork shoulders and ribs are among the competition categories at the Barbecue Cook off. If you want to include the event in your plans, check the current event dates and categories, as details may change.

When planning a hotel stay, you can focus on the activities that matter to you: rock art and archaeological evidence offer a cultural and historical focus; lakes, forests and rock formations make for nature experiences; and the listed trail lengths help you estimate how much hiking you want to do. This can help clarify the themes you want your trip to focus on before you look for accommodation.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Carbondale, Murphysboro, Vergennes, Gorham, Dowell, Makanda, Montgomery County, Piatt.

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