Ferne Clyffe State Park

About Ferne Clyffe State Park

Known for its exceptional scenic setting for nearly 100 years, the Clyffe is located on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, creating an atmosphere that enriches the many leisure activities within the park. Hiking trails wind through picturesque forests and offer visitors fascinating rock formations and inspiring views.

It would be almost impossible to list the entire plant life that thrives within the park, but there are more than 700 species in abundance. The two most famous sights are the occasional waterfalls and the impressive rock formations that can be seen from almost every park path. Located on the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, from wildflowers and shrubs to birds and mammals. When visiting the Clyffe, you cannot fail to enjoy the picturesque views from afar, as well as the beautiful scenery and picturesque hiking trails. A wide range of food and drinks, including beer, wine and wine tastings, are available at the National Park Visitor Centre.

Autumn foliage is best in October, but the end of April and the beginning of May are a particularly good time to see the spring coloration.

Since the 1960s, the 16-hectare Clyffe Lake has offered visitors additional recreational and scenic opportunities. The lake has a maximum depth of 22 feet and there is fishing on the open shore, but swimming by boat is prohibited. A trail leads to a 1.5 km long coastline, along which you can see a variety of bird species as well as birds of prey such as ducks, geese, turkeys, foxes and geckos.

South Lakeview Picnic Shelter is one of the most popular picnic spots in State Park, offering spectacular lake views. It is the second largest picnic spot in Canada and the only one in North America.

Each season brings its own beauty to the area, and spring and autumn are the most colourful seasons. The cold autumn temperatures transform the lush green foliage of the summer trees into a blanket over the slopes, while the warm, sunny spring days allow the trees in the park to bloom.

The plants and animals in the protected area are protected by law, and in protected areas, hiking is restricted to marked trails and only in limited areas.

In 1899, two brothers from Cairo bought this part of the park, now known as Hawks Cave or Big Rocky Hollow, and named it after the lush fern growth. One hundred years later, it is said that the Cherokees used this area as a hunting ground during their March of Tears. It was also said to have been the site of a fortress, the first of its kind in North Carolina, and the birthplace of John F. Kennedy.

The remote Clyffe soon became a popular attraction, and local entrepreneurs began to take over transportation from the Goreville depot for an extra 10 cents. The area soon became known for its beauty and eventually sold to Emma Rebman, a local with a passion for nature and a love of nature. Ms. Rebmen opened the park to the public every Sunday for a 10-cent entrance fee.

In 1929, Ms. Rebman offered to sell the park to the State of Illinois, and in 1949, the purchase of 140 acres of Rebman resulted in a $1.5 million grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Today, Ferne Clyffe State Park covers more than 1,000 acres in the heart of Chicago and is visited by more than 200,000 nature lovers each year. The Far Clyffes Hotel has proven to be one of Illinois' top tourist attractions and a favorite destination for tourists.

The Deer Ridge campsite is a well shaded Class A facility that offers a variety of amenities including picnic tables, picnic benches and outdoor showers. Turkey Ridge is ideal for campers looking for a quiet outdoor experience, but the showers at the campsite are seasonal. The ambience rounds off the experience for campers who prefer to include a few home comforts in their outdoor adventure.
The campsite is equipped with picnic tables, picnic benches and outdoor showers, as well as picnic tables and picnic chairs. The parking lot has drinking water and toilets, and the campsite is fully equipped for camping with showers, toilets, showers and toilets.

Class D facilities include picnic tables, picnic benches and outdoor showers, as well as picnic tables and picnic chairs. Children from five years will be delighted at the youth group campground.

Water and trash cans are available in the parking lot of Turkey Ridge, and water, trash cans are available. Backpackers who enjoy their community and nature are appreciated by their friends, family and friends. The forest is located on the west side of the park, south of the Turkish mountain and has barbecues, toilets and showers. Groups of up to 15 minors must be accompanied by at least one adult and smaller groups must have adequate supervision.

We remind you to be careful with fire and unpack your packs and not to camp in the forest for more than 30 minutes.