The Rocky Bluff Trail, in Southern Illinois is a 1.7 mile moderate level loop in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. A day use fee of $2 is required to access the refuge. The well maintained path sees a 157ft gain in elevation and features a lake and two waterfalls. At the beginning of the loop, you can hear the water flow, and see how the rocks have eroded at the trail head. There are several small water runoffs that the trail crosses, and many little footbridges. Eventually you come across a neat hollow, with fallen trees and a turn in the bluffs and stone steps.
There’s a ton of neat striations in the rock, you can see many layers, mini caves, different kinds of rock, and even layers of sediment from when the whole area was under water.This hike offers varied terrain such as narrow passes, some hills, some rocks and caves and it is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are leashed.They also use this trail during the spring for wildflower walks, citing over 60 native species of blooming flowers.