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Recreation
Giant City State Park is a 4,000 acre park famous for its huge rock formation and its wealth of vegetation, wildlife and scenery. It hosts a stable and a recently restored lodge. There are 18 miles of hiking trails, equestrian trails, historic sites, fishing and plenty of picnic areas. The park recently added a 4,000-square-foot visitor’s center complete with interpretive displays on geology, plants, animals, and park history. Giant City is located 10 miles south of Carbondale. For more details contact the park office at (618) 457-4836.
Trail of Tears State Forest is named after the tragic event of 1838-39 where Native Americans were forced by the United States Army to move from their homelands to reservations in Oklahoma. With more than 5,000 acres, this state forest hosts a wealth of wildlife and plant life that can be enjoyed while hiking, camping, hunting or picnicking. The forest is located 20 miles south of Carbondale. For additional information call (618) 833-4910.
Lake Murphysboro State Park was created in 1948. The park’s 1,022 acres offer visitors an opportunity for camping, picnicking, hiking, and boating. The 145-acre lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie. The park is located 2 miles west of Murphysboro. For more information about this park call (618) 684-2867.