Dixon Springs State Park Hike

See a natural spring and a creek with rapids in a canyon at Dixon Springs State Park in Southern Illinois.

The park is located about 20 miles north of Metropolis, Ill., and Paducah, Ky.

*Photo showing its health spa days — https://www.lib.niu.edu/2000/oi000410.html*

History

Dixon Springs takes its name from William Dixon, who was an early settler here.

A small community grew up at Dixon Springs and featured a general store, post office, blacksmith shop, gristmill, and several churches.

Dixon Springs became a 19th-century health spa, which attracted hundreds of people to its seven springs of mineral-enriched water. A bathhouse provided mineral or soft water baths, hot or cold, available at any time. This resort attracted people from all over Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois.

The state bought the land of the former resort in 1946.

Geology

The park is situated on a giant block of sandstone deposited 315 million years ago, which was dropped 500 feet along a fault line that extends northwesterly across Pope County and the resulting rocky scenery gives visitors the chance to explore breathtaking canyons and waterfalls.

OUR TIME HERE

The Spring

Well from when it was a spa. — *Well from when it was a spa*

We first headed to the back of the park to a parking lot near the #7 Spring. Here you can see the well that was once used for the operations.

*Spring with the dam in the back and bridge above the falls.*

Then we checked out the Hills Branch as it cascades over a rock shelf. Also, you can see a small pond, dam, and stream in the distance.

Closer view of the dam — *Closer view of the front of the dam.*

Then, we parked up by the Methodist Church that had once been part of the village of Dixon Springs. At this spot, you can walk out to the dam that was once part of the former community as was the church.

*Changed parking areas to check out the top of the dam.*

Water rushes out and over the dam and creates a waterfall.

*View from above the falls from the bridge, which is seen on the featured blog picture.*

Here we found a bridge that you can walk over to gain a better view of the dam, falls and canyon area below.

This area was worth exploring before you we headed out on the hike.

Ghost Dance Canyon Trail

This 1-mile trail begins near the parking for the pool. This is not an easy walk so be careful as you go along the rocky Hills Branch.

At the Start

The trail starts to follow along Hills Branch which begins to flow ever larger rocks and boulders as you walk along to the right. You cross under a high bridge with arches.

You have to keep looking for the trail as you walk since it goes way into the rocks and in between boulders as you go up.

The Cave

We ended our walk at the small cave that I added some intrigue with my son telling him ghosts once danced here with the name of the canyon.

He looked around for spirits in the cave.

I think the trail might go a bit further on the other side, but it was pretty steep here and with a small kid it was decided to head back.

Final Thoughts

It was worth exploring for a mile of creek rapids and canyon. If we had more time we might have walked more along the creek here with lots of fast-moving water flowing through boulders, rocks and created cascades here and there.

I would like to come back and do some more wandering here again.

Other Trail

Located by the parking for the Cedar Grove Camping Area is a 1.7 mile Nature Trail.

**Map of the park shows where the Ghost Dance Trail starts by the swimming pool. Also, you can see #7 spring and where the church is located. The Oak Tree Trailhead is by the campgrounds.**

DETAILS

Also in the park is a swimming pool with a 45-foot waterslide with a concession stand, picnic grounds, playgrounds, and camping sites.

Drive: Take Interstate 64 out of the St. Louis Area then take Interstate 57 south at Mount Vernon. Take exit 16 make a left on to Illinois Highway 146 and look for the entrance to Dixon Springs State Park on your left just after you pass Illinois State Highway 145.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset with camping available

Admission: Free

Address: 982 IL-146, Golconda, IL 62938