Best Outdoor Rock Climbing Near Chicago
Ferne Clyffe - State Park
Rt.37, P.O. Box 10
Goreville, IL 62939
618.995.2411
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/ferne.htm
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. Camping, picnicking, hiking, hunting, fishing and sightseeing are also available at Ferne Clyffe.
Giant City - State Park
235 Giant City Road
Makanda, IL 62958
618.457.4836
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/r5/gc.htm
Climbing and rappelling are permitted at the park in two locations. The areas of Devil's Standtable cliff and Shelter #1 bluff at the Makanda entrance are accessible to climbers, and ropes are permitted on these cliffs. Climbers should bring their own equipment and go directly to the bluff. No permanent anchors allowed. No check-in is necessary. All climbing activities at the park are conducted at your own risk. Cliffs are steep, sandstone can be slippery when wet, and protected venomous copperhead snakes are found on sunny ledges, please use caution. Southern Illinois sandstone bluff plant communties are fragile, so tread lightly in these areas.
Photos and more information at: dnr.state.il.us