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Ferne
Clyffe State Park |
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Rt.37, P.O. Box 10
Goreville, IL 62939
618.995.2411
Ferne Clyffe has been known as an outstanding natural scenic spot for nearly 100
years. An abundance of ferns, unique geological features and unusual plant
communities create an atmosphere that enhances the many recreational facilities
offered at the park. Trails wind through picturesque woods, allowing visitors to
view fascinating rock formations and inspiring vistas.
Located on Illinois Route 37, just one mile south of Goreville and 12 miles
south of Marion, the 2,430-acre park is easily accessible from both I-57 and
I-24. With camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting, fishing and sightseeing to
choose from, you can't help but enjoy a visit to Ferne Clyffe.
History
George Rogers Clark and his contingent purportedly passed through or near Ferne
Clyffe on their trip to Fort Kaskaskia in 1778. One hundred years later, the
Cherokee are reported to have used the area as their hunting range while on
their Trail of Tears march.
Two Cairo brothers purchased a part of the park known today as Hawks' Cave/Big
Rocky Hollow in 1899 and called it Ferne Clyffe because of the ferns that grew
in such abundance. The area soon became known for its beauty and was eventually
sold to Miss Emma Rebman, a local school teacher and Johnson County school
superintendent. Miss Rebman opened the park to the public on Sundays for a
10-cent admission. Ferne Clyffe soon became a popular attraction, and local
entrepreneurs began to provide transportation from the Goreville train depot for
an additional 10 cents.
In 1929, Miss Rebman offered to sell the park to the state of Illinois.
Additional efforts by conservation and political groups such as the Greater
Egypt Association and the Illinois Redevelopment Board resulted in the state's
purchase of Miss Rebman's 140 acres in 1949.
Today, Ferne Clyffe State Park covers 2,430 acres of the majestic Shawnee Hills
and is visited by more than 200,000 nature lovers each year.
Impressive rock formations can be seen from almost all of the park trails, but
two of the best-known sights are Hawks' Cave, a 150-foot-long shelter bluff, and
a 100-foot-tall intermittent waterfall on the Big Rocky Hollow trail.
Flora and Fauna
It would be nearly impossible to list all of the plant life that thrives in the
park--there are more than 700 species! Flowering dogwood, redbud, serviceberry,
spicebush, sumac, sweetgum, maple, oak, hickory and some of the woodland
wildflowers create an extraordinary color backdrop for recreational activities
in the spring and fall. Late April and early May are particularly good times for
viewing the springtime color show. Fall foliage is at its best in October.
As you walk the trails, you can expect to see squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail,
and bluebirds and other songbirds and an occasional wild turkey.
Fishing and Hunting | More Info | Fishing Map
Bank fishermen will be impressed by populations of largemouth bass, bluegill,
channel catfish and redear in the lake.
Hunters will appreciate the 1,750 acres of forested habitat, with good
populations of deer and squirrel. Quail and rabbit populations are fair. Food
patches are planted in open areas each year to enhance the habitat for upland
game species. Please check in at the hunter check station (maintenance building)
prior to your hunt.
Hunter Fact Sheets: Cedar/Draper Bluff | Cypress Pond | Ferne Clyffe | Skinner
Farm Habitat Area | Deer Pond
Ferne Clyffe Lake
Since 1960, the 16-acre Ferne Clyffe Lake has offered visitors additional
recreational and scenic opportunities. The lake has a maximum depth of 22 feet,
and a hiking trail encompasses the 1-mile shoreline. It is open to bank fishing,
but boating and swimming are prohibited. Spectacular views of the lake can be
seen from Lakeview Picnic Shelter and Blackjack Oak Trail.
Picnicking
Ferne Clyffe has been a favorite picnic spot for decades. There are seven picnic
areas, all with tables, cooking grills, parking and toilets. Several areas also
have shelters, drinking water and playground equipment. Only park grills or
personal cookstoves should be used for cooking fires to avoid the possibility of
damaging the site.
Camping | More Info
Ferne Clyffe has a campground for every type of camper: modern, primitive, youth
groups, backpack or equestrian. The shower facilities that are offered at some
campgrounds are available seasonally.
Deer Ridge campground is a well-shaded Class A facility offering gravel pads
with electricity, picnic tables and cooking grills. Drinking water, showers,
flush toilets and a sanitary dump station complete the setting for campers who
prefer to include a few comforts of home with their outdoor adventure.
Turkey Ridge is for campers who want a serene outdoor experience. It is a Class
C walk-in campground that includes camp pads, picnic tables, cooking grills and
showers. Drinking water and toilets are located near the parking lots.
Scouts, church groups and other youth groups will enjoy the Youth Group
campground. This Class D facility is equipped with drinking water, picnic
tables, cooking grills, toilets and parking. Groups of minors must have adequate
supervision, and at least one adult must accompany a group of 15 minors.
Backpackers enjoying their commune with nature will appreciate the solitude of
the individual campsites in the Class C Backpack campground. Located a half-mile
from the Turkey Ridge primitive campground parking lot, these woodland sites
have cooking grills, toilets and showers. Water and trash receptacles are
available at the Turkey Ridge parking lot. You're reminded to be careful with
your fires and to pack out what you pack in.
Equestrian
Horseback riders can ride directly to their own Class C Equestrian campground on
the trail or drive to it in their vehicles. Up to 25 riders can be accommodated
at the site, which includes picnic tables, drinking water, cooking grills,
toilets, parking and showers. The campground is well-shaded by an abundance of
trees, and you must protect the trees by tying horses to the hitching rails.
There are no horses available for rent.
Sites in the Deer Ridge, Turkey Ridge and Youth Group campgrounds do not require
advance reservations. Backpackers and horseback riders should, however, make
advance arrangements through the park office.
Trails
Eighteen diverse trails offer visitors the chance to view the beauty of Ferne
Clyffe at their own pace. Please note that the park does not allow motorized
vehicles or bicycles on the trails. Equestrian use is allowed on equestrian
designated trails. Equestrian trails are closed to horses from November 1 to
April 30. Naturally occurring dangerous areas exist within the park, so exercise
awareness and caution. For your safety, it's recommended you hike on designated
trails. Each trail has been assigned a number, as well as a name, to make map
reading easy for even the novice hiker. Trails | Site Map
Round Bluff Nature Preserve
Just south of the Lakeview Picnic Shelter is the 53-acre Round Bluff Nature
Preserve. This area is a marvelous mix of unique geological features and unusual
plant communities. Each season brings its own beauty to the area, but spring and
fall are the most colorful seasons. Dutchman's breeches, trillum, spring beauty,
trout lily and other woodland wildflowers add vibrant color to the ground cover
in the spring. Fall's colder temperatures change the deep greens of the summer
tree foliage to a spectacular mix of reds, purples, golds and browns that cover
every hillside.
Within the preserve, hiking is restricted to marked trails only. All plants and
animals within the preserve are protected by law.
Directions
Ferne Clyffe State Park can be reached from I-57 and I-24. The park is well
signed from both interstate highways. If traveling south on I-57, take the
Goreville exit, #40, approximately 12 miles south of Marion, IL At exit #40 turn
left (east), go 5 miles to IL Rt. 37. Turn right (south) on Rt. 37, you will see
the park entrance 1 mile south of Goreville. Traveling north on I-57, take exit
#40, Goreville, turn right (east), go 5 miles to IL. Rt. 37, turn right (south)
on IL Rt. 37 and you will see the park entrance 1 mile south of Goreville. If
traveling on I-24, take exit #7 (Goreville), turn west and go 2 miles to IL Rt.
37, turn left (south) and go ½ mile to park entrance.
* While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's
facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to
avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts.
* At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors.
* Pets must be kept on leashes at all times.
* Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Please call
ahead to the park office before you make your trip.
* We hope you enjoy your stay. Remember, take only memories, leave only
footprints.
* For more information on tourism in Illinois, call the Illinois Department of
Commerce and Community Affairs' Bureau of Tourism at 1-800-2Connect.
* Telecommunication Device for Deaf and Hearing Impaired Natural Resources
Information (217) 782-9175 for TDD only Relay Number 800-526-0844.
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