Ghost Dance Canyon

Ghost Dance Canyon at Dixon Springs is undoubtedly one of the best 'trails' in Southern Illinois.  I use the word trail lightly, as there is only about half a mile of distinguishable trail.  It starts just beyond the swimming pool, running underneath the highway in a fairly impressive arched bridge.

Follow the foot path along a bubbling stream, with many places for you to stop and play in or near the water and it's various little waterfalls.

The trail basically ends at a large confluence of rocks in the stream, nestled in an opening of a canyon.  It's pretty impressive already.

Cross the stream (carefully!) and there's a footpath following the water and bluff line for about a quarter of a mile.  Being as it's fall and there's a ton of leaves on the ground, we couldn't tell if the trail went any further, but some people up ahead of us turned up on top of the bluff line, while we went down to the water.

We then made our way back up to the main crossing via the stream.  It was incredible.  Rocks as big as houses stand in the stream.

There are little waterfalls everywhere, making this a cascade fall.  If you are not an experienced hiker, I do not recommend climbing among the rocks.  Although, if you are experienced enough to do it, it's an experience you won't soon forget.  There were numerous times that we just sat on a large rock and surveyed the scene before us.  This is God in all His glory.

Directions:

Follow directions in my last post to Dixon Springs State Park.  Park at the swimming pool, walk to the front of it where the building is, and turn to the right.  Follow the trail!