We’ve recently written about the most visited state park in Illinois, Starved Rock. While it may not be a hidden gem, it does offer significant natural beauty to explore. However, it can sometimes be extremely crowded—it’s no surprise, given its well-known reputation.
But what about a different park? One that fewer people are acquainted with? We’re here to let you in on a secret: the least visited state park in Illinois, Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area.
The lease visited park: Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area
Before it was revitalized, Rauchfuss Hill State Recreational Area was essentially just a ghost town. The State park, located in southern Illinois and the Golconda area, was recently opened five years ago, featuring scenic hiking trails and a mesmerizing overlook.
The main attraction is a large bluff located on the north side of the marina, known as Rauchfuss Hill.
This area features a picnic area and a hiking trail that ascends on the historic steps on the south bluff, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site is also known as Steamboat Hill, because it offers the best location for watching boats go up and down the Ohio River.
If you’re not hiking, recreational boaters find the miles of shoreline, numerous islands, and deep, clean water of the Smithland Pool to be opportunities for fishing, skiing, and boating.