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Karbers Ridge Road to Cave-in-Rock, Shawnee Hills, Illinois
Photo: Daniel Schwen · CC BY-SA 4.0

Drives Illinois Iowa and Illinois

Karbers Ridge Road to Cave-in-Rock

IL 1 · Herod → Cave-in-Rock

Leisurely24 mi30 min1,800 ft climbHigh point ≈ 700 ftOne way
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The drive

Karbers Ridge Road leaves Illinois 34 near Herod and runs east through the Shawnee National Forest. The Forest Service's directions to Garden of the Gods turn east from Highway 34 onto Karbers Ridge Road, go 2.5 miles, then turn north on a forest road for 1.5 miles to the recreation area entrance. From there the drive follows Illinois 1 south to Cave-in-Rock, 23.8 miles in all.

Garden of the Gods is one of the most photographed places in the state, with sandstone formations and wide views, including Camel Rock, Table Rock and Devil's Smokestack. Cave-in-Rock sits on the Ohio River, and Illinois Route 1 begins at the dock of the Cave-in-Rock Ferry. The village is known for its riverside cave, about 55 feet wide, which was a hideout for river pirates in the 1790s and after.

Along the way

  1. Herod (Highway 34)
  2. Garden of the Gods turnoff
  3. Cave-in-Rock
Elevation
1,800 ft of climbing · high point ≈ 700 ft
HerodCave-in-Rock
Curves
Mostly gentle curves
HerodCave-in-Rock
GentleHairpins

Good to know

  • Cell service at Garden of the Gods is spotty or unavailable, according to the Forest Service.
  • The Garden of the Gods picnic area and Observation Trail are open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; campsites there cost $10 a night.
  • The Cave-in-Rock ferry across the Ohio River to Kentucky is free, though this drive ends before it.

Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check Shawnee National Forest alerts.

Questions about this drive

How long does Karbers Ridge Road to Cave-in-Rock take?

The drive from Herod to Cave-in-Rock is 23.8 miles and takes about 30 minutes without stops.

How do you get to Garden of the Gods from Karbers Ridge Road?

The Forest Service says to turn east onto Karbers Ridge Road from Highway 34, go 2.5 miles, then turn north on a forest road and drive 1.5 miles to the entrance.

What is at Cave-in-Rock?

Cave-in-Rock is a village on the Ohio River known for a riverside cave in Cave-in-Rock State Park and for a ferry to Kentucky.

What you get in the app

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Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

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Map of Karbers Ridge Road to Cave-in-Rock, from Herod to Cave-in-Rock