Red Cedar Hiking Challenge at Giant City State Park
Date/Time
Date(s) - 09/01/2026 - 09/30/2026
12:00 am
Location
Giant City State Park
Categories
Entire Month of September
MAKANDA, IL – Fall is almost here and the 12 mile Red Cedar Trail is calling! Will you accept
the challenge? Along this very rugged backpacking trail are ten strategically placed signs
providing one crossword puzzle clue each. Solve as you go and return finished puzzles to the
Giant City Visitors Center to claim your official Red Cedar Patch! Puzzles will be available at the
Red Cedar trailhead and the Visitors Center.
Please note that this trail is rugged and can be very difficult. Hikers may choose to walk the trail
in sections or all at once. It takes a minimum of seven hours to hike the 12 miles. Please use
insect spray and take plenty of snacks and water!
The Red Cedar Hiking Challenge is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please
call the Giant City Visitors Center at 618-457-4836.
Giant City State Park is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The
mission of the IDNR is to manage, conserve and protect Illinois’ natural, recreational and cultural
resources, further the public’s understanding and appreciation of those resources, and promote the
education, science and public safety of Illinois’ natural resources for present and future
generations.