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Ferne Clyffe State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
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 -llowing 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 cant help but enjoy a visit to Ferne Clyffe.
Nature of the Area
Natural Features
Impressive rock formations can be seen from almost all of the park trails, but two of the best-known sights are Hawks Cave - 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.
Camping
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 - 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. Youre reminded to be careful with your fires and to pack out what you pack in.
Trails
Picnicking
History of the Area
George Rogers Clark and his contingent purportedly passed through or - 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 - 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 states purchase of Miss Rebmans 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.
More Info
DNR
Rec Parks & Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] Ferne ClyffeState Park South Region Rt.37, P.O. Box 10 Goreville, IL 62939 618.995
...mbing at ferne clyffe state park ferne01.jpg ferne02.jpg ferne03.jpg ferne04.jpg ferne05.jpg ferne06.jpg Return
USGS 124000 Topographical Quadrangle(s) Glendale, IL Ferne Clyffe State Park Description Ferne Clyffe State Park is easily
a mile to the Ferne Clyffe State Park entrance on the right
Toxics Responsible Trade Trash Transfer Nuclear Waste Water Wetlands Wildlands Adventures with Uncle Bob Ferne Clyffe State Park is a 2,430-acre park located on Illinois Route 37, just one mile
...ne Clyffe State Park Field Trip October 2, 2002 Click on pic for enlargement
...mple Alcove Natural Arch An unnamed arch in Ferne Clyffe State Park, Illinois Photo by Jay Wilbur Alcove Natural Arch
is located in Ferne Clyffe State Park, Johnson County, Illinois
Ferne Clyffe State Park