Hiking Rim Rock National Recreation Trail & Pounds Hollow Recreation Area in Illinois
An Early Spring Hike in Shawnee National Forest
My son and I spent the day hiking around Rim Rock National Recreation Trail and down into Pounds Hollow Recreation Area.
It was an early spring trip—before the flowers had started blooming—but the scenery was still beautiful and well worth the hike.
What Is the Rim Rock Trail?
Rim Rock is one of the more unique hikes in southern Illinois.
The trail follows the edge of a rock escarpment, giving you views all along the rim before dropping down into the hollow below.
Interpretive signs along the trail explain both the natural features and the history of the area, including how early settlers used places like Ox-Lot Cave.
Trail Information
- Upper loop: approximately 0.8 miles
- Lower trail: connects to Pounds Hollow
- Multiple trail options depending on distance
- Designated a National Recreation Trail in 1980
Rim Rock is part of the larger Pounds Hollow Ecological Area, known for its unique rock formations and natural beauty.
Starting the Hike
From the parking area, you’ll notice three different trail options:
- Left (west side): A stone-paved path that is more accessible and easier to walk
- Center: The quickest route to the middle of the upper loop
- Right (East side): The only trail that takes you down to the lower level and toward Pounds Hollow
We started on the left trail, making our way around the top of the rim.
Walking the Rim
As you walk along the top, you can see why this area may have once been used as a natural defensive position.
The rock formations create almost a full circle, with steep drop-offs that would have made it difficult for anyone to approach unnoticed.
The views along the rim were impressive, even without the full greenery of spring.
The trail eventually takes you up and over the center of the formation before looping back toward the parking area.
Down into the Hollow
After finishing the upper loop, we took the trail down into the lower section.
As we descended, the landscape changed quickly. The rock walls became steep and narrow, creating a canyon-like feel.
At the bottom, the trail splits into a “Y” where two small streams come together, carving out the hollow over time.
From here, you can:
- Head west toward Ox-Lot Cave
- Or go east toward Pounds Hollow Lake
Ox-Lot Cave and the Lower Trail
We first made our way toward Ox-Lot Cave.
There’s still a pipe there where water flows—once used for watering animals when this area was used for holding livestock.
After spending some time there, we continued along the trail toward Pounds Hollow, following the stream through the valley.
Reaching Pounds Hollow Lake
As we got closer to the lake, we came across a beaver dam—something we weren’t expecting but always enjoy seeing.
By the time we reached the lake, I was definitely feeling the hike.
There are a couple of ways to handle this route:
- Leave a vehicle at both trailheads
- Or hike back the way you came
We only had one vehicle, so I stayed at the lake while my son headed back to get the truck.
After a while, I saw him walking down the road instead of driving—turns out the gate was locked for the season.
So yes… I still had to make the walk back up the hill 😄
That’s what happens when you go in the off-season.
What to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning to hike here, keep a few things in mind:
- Trails can be uneven and slippery in places
- There are steep drop-offs along the rim
- Timber rattlesnakes are present in warmer months
- Wear proper shoes and bring water
- Know your limits—especially on longer hikes
Both trailheads have picnic areas and restrooms, and Pounds Hollow also offers camping.
A Must-Visit in Southern Illinois
Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow are two of the most scenic hiking areas in Shawnee National Forest.
During peak season, they’re some of the most popular spots in the region—right behind Garden of the Gods.
Whether you’re looking for a short scenic walk or a longer hike through rock formations and forest, this area has a lot to offer.
When you are in the area check out:
Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois
Exploring Cave-in-Rock State Park Along the Ohio River Scenic Byway in Shawnee National Forest
You can view our video if the hike:
Reader Question
Have you hiked Rim Rock or explored Pounds Hollow? Did you take the upper trail, the lower trail—or both?
