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ForestMatters, LLC

Rim Rock Trail

Shawnee National Forest, Illinois · 3 min read

Distance
3 mi
Elevation Gain
300 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
3 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Ancient Kaskaskia Indian grinding stone carved into sandstone bedrock
  • Cliff edge views from the Pounds Hollow area rim
  • Dense bottomland hardwood forest in the hollow below the rim
  • Interpretive signs explaining the cultural and natural history
  • Good fall color on the rim and in the hollow

Overview

The Rim Rock Trail is a 3-mile loop in the Harrisburg Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest, near the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. The trail combines two contrasting experiences: the cliff-edge traverse along the sandstone rim with views down into the bottomland hollow, and the flat, shaded walk through the dense hardwood forest in the hollow itself. The transition between these two environments, separated by only a few hundred vertical feet, illustrates how dramatically different conditions exist in close proximity in the Shawnee Hills.

The cultural highlight of the trail is a large sandstone boulder with grinding depressions worn into the surface by generations of Kaskaskia Indian use. Interpretive signs near the site explain the historical significance of the feature and the broader story of Native American use of the Shawnee Hills landscape. The grinding stone sits near the top of the rim, embedded in the sandstone bedrock that forms the cliff edge.

At 300 feet of elevation gain over 3 miles, this is an easy-moderate trail. The cliff sections require attention to footing, particularly when wet, and are not suitable for those with a fear of heights. Sandstone can be slippery in rain.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: From the Forest Road 402 trailhead, the loop climbs to the rim immediately. The sandstone cliff edge provides intermittent views down into Pounds Hollow. The grinding stone site is marked with an interpretive sign approximately 0.5 miles into the loop.

Miles 1 to 2: The trail descends into the hollow at the far end of the rim via a series of stone steps built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The hollow is noticeably cooler and more humid than the rim. Sycamore and silver maple dominate the bottomland, with ferns covering the ground in summer.

Miles 2 to 3: The hollow section follows the creek east before climbing back to the trailhead. This section is the flattest of the loop and the easiest underfoot.

When to Visit

April through November covers the hiking season. Spring wildflowers are excellent in the hollow in April. Fall color on the rim and in the hollow peaks in mid-October. Summer is hot but the hollow section offers shade and some cooling. Check conditions before visiting after heavy rain the cliff sections are slippery when wet.

What to Bring

  • Carry a liter of water. No water sources on the trail.
  • Hiking boots with grip: the sandstone rim sections can be slippery
  • Tick repellent from April through October
  • Camera: the grinding stone and cliff views are worth photographing

Practical Details

A vault toilet is available at the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. No fee for trail use (as of 2026). The Pounds Hollow campground is adjacent and reservable. Follow Leave No Trace principles.

Getting There

From Elizabethtown, Illinois, take State Highway 146 west approximately 5 miles to Forest Road 402. Turn north and follow signs to the Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow area. Elizabethtown is in Hardin County on the Ohio River. GPS coordinates are approximately 37.47°N, 88.17°W.

Trailhead Parking

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail parking area off Forest Road 402 near Elizabethtown, Illinois. Gravel lot.

← Back to Shawnee National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kaskaskia grinding stone?
The grinding stone is a large sandstone boulder with shallow depressions worn into its surface by generations of Kaskaskia Indian use for grinding corn and other seeds. It is one of the most significant prehistoric cultural features in Shawnee National Forest.
Is this trail appropriate for beginners?
Yes, with the caveat that some sections near the cliff edge require careful footing. The 300 feet of elevation gain over 3 miles is modest, and most hikers find this a manageable trail.
Is Pounds Hollow Lake near this trail?
Yes. Pounds Hollow Recreation Area and its swim lake are adjacent to the Rim Rock Trail. The campground and lake are within walking distance of the trailhead.
Are there cliff sections on this trail?
Yes. The Rim Rock section of the trail follows the edge of a sandstone cliff. The drop is significant in places. Keep children and dogs close in these sections.