Once you get to the borders of Illinois the rolling hills suddenly turn into breathtaking bluffs that offer breathtaking views of the Land of Lincoln.

The Garden Of The Gods in the Shawnee National Forest is one of those spots. You have to travel to the southern tip of the state to enjoy this view, one of the most photographed in the state, but it's worth the drive.

Britton Holley/AllTrails
Britton Holley/AllTrails
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The Garden of the Gods covers over 3,000 acres of land across the Shawnee Forest and is home to some of the most unique rock formations you'll ever see.

Josie & Sarah Allison-Love/AllTrails
Josie & Sarah Allison-Love/AllTrails
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The Observation Trail isn't very long, only about a quarter mile. You'll travel over dirt trails, sandy beds, man-made stair cases, and natural rock formations along the way. The hike should take you about an hour.

vince wasiloski/AllTrails
vince wasiloski/AllTrails
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Make sure you bring your phone along because you'll undoubtedly need to capture some of the spectacular views you'll come across to share on social media. These will get you at least 100 likes.

vince wasiloski/AllTrails
vince wasiloski/AllTrails
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There are signs along the interpretative trail to explain to you what you're seeing along the trail.

Jason Fransos/AllTrails
Jason Fransos/AllTrails
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One of the highlights of The Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is the Devil's Smokestack. A rock formation that resembles a plume of smoke rising up from the forest floor.

jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
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Just imagine what this will look like in the fall with the changing colors. Time to plan the trip.

jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
jim Chamberlain/AllTrails
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