Little Grand Canyon facts for kids

Imagine a deep, narrow valley with steep sides – that's a box canyon! The Little Grand Canyon, officially called Grand Canyon, is one of these amazing places. You can find it in the Shawnee National Forest in Jackson County, Illinois, USA. It's located south of Murphysboro. This special area was named a National Natural Landmark in 1980 because of its unique natural beauty.

The canyon sits on the east side of the Big Muddy River. You can reach this natural wonder from Hickory Ridge Road.

Exploring the Canyon

This amazing canyon was formed over a long time. Water and wind slowly carved it out of the sandstone rocks in the Shawnee Hills. The canyon opens up into the wide, flat area near the Mississippi River.

Waterfalls and Trails

The Little Grand Canyon has many waterfalls. Some flow only when it rains, while others are always there. These waterfalls create beautiful cascades over the sculpted sandstone.

A hiking trail, about 3.6 miles (5.8 km) long, takes you through the area. White diamond markers guide your way. The trail starts in a forest filled with hardwood trees. Then, it goes down into the canyon through a steep, sometimes slippery, sandstone path. The bottom of the canyon is much damper and has different kinds of plants.

To climb out of the canyon, you'll need to do a little bit of climbing at the Three Sisters Waterfall. Some parts of the trail have stone steps. These steps were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a group that worked on public lands in the 1930s. There's a big difference in height between the top and bottom of the canyon, about 350 feet (107 meters)!

What to Expect on Your Visit

At the start of the trail, you'll find a picnic area. There's also a pit toilet available. Remember to bring your own water, as none is provided.

It's important to be careful when visiting. Some cliff edges are not marked or guarded. Also, be aware that heavy rain can cause flash floods in the canyon.

Past Names and Wildlife

In the 1930s, people called this area by other names. It was sometimes known as the "Hanging Gardens of Egypt." This name came from the many beautiful wildflowers that grew in the canyon. It was also called "Rattlesnake Den" because it used to have a large number of rattlesnakes. However, too many snakes were collected, which greatly reduced their populations.

Other Little Grand Canyons

Did you know there are other places called "Little Grand Canyon" in the United States? Besides this one in Illinois, you can find another in Lumpkin, Georgia. There's also one in Emery County, Utah.

Images for kids

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  Little Grand Canyon