Ferne Clyffe State Park "Official"

02/23/2026

There is a prescribed Burn scheduled for today, 2/23/26, which will include the areas of Boy Scout Trail, Hawks Cave Trail, lower part of the lake, and the road leading back to Boat Rock. We ask that you remain off these trails while the burn is in progress. Please be mindful there will be smoke and please use Caution while anywhere near these areas today.
Thank you

01/23/2026

Due to anticipated inclement weather approaching the area this weekend, there will be a gate closure at the 4 way stop. While we try to keep it open as long as possible, it will be closed by the end of the day on Saturday through the remainder of the weekend or until weather allows for reopening safely. There will still be access to Deer Ridge Campground. Thank you

01/20/2026

There will be a prescribed Burn today, Tuesday, 1/20/26 all along the Blackjack Oak Trail. This will affect all sides of the Blackjack Oak trail, the Big Rocky Hollow Trail, parts of the Climbing area, and all trails from Deer Ridge Campground. You will see smoke in these areas. Please use caution in these areas of the park today.
Thank you

12/15/2025

Please make plans to join us for the Re-opening of the Cache River Wetlands Center in January 2026

02/27/2025

Cedar/Draper Bluff will be host to a prescribed Burn on Saturday March 1. Please use caution when in the area.
Thank you

11/08/2024

10/10/2024

WE HAVE TROUT! We received a delivery of trout today at Ferne Clyffe Lake. Trout season opens October 19th at 5am. Come on out and try your hand at trout fishing!
(All anglers — including those who intend to release fish caught before October 19th — must have an Illinois fishing license and Inland Trout Stamp which are available at IDNR license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Check the IDNR website for locations at https://www.exploremoreil.com/agentlocator

Fishing licenses and trout stamps also can be purchased by using a credit card online at https://www.exploremoreil.com/

For information about site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout. Not all of the fall trout sites listed below open at 5:00 a.m. on opening day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location prior to the open date.

The Illinois Catchable Trout Program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the fall season. An additional 80,000 trout are stocked for the spring season which begins each April.)

10/09/2024

The crew has been busy installing new trailhead signs in the park. 7 in and like 9 to go! They look great.

09/25/2024

Well, we had a great event! The 75th celebration last Saturday was a success. We would like to thank everyone that came out to help us celebrate. To all the volunteers and staff that made the event what it was, THANK YOU. We could not have done it without your help, that of course includes our partner groups; The Village of Goreville, Illinois Native Plant Society, and Illinois Extension U of I., and the other groups that volunteered their time; Illinois Climbers association, Southern Illinois Audubon Society, and River To River Trail Society.

09/20/2024

Only ONE MORE DAY until the Anniversary Celebration!
Attendees to the event can follow the posted arrows down to Buck Creek where informational booths and tours will be based. Just look for the big white tent! Parking will be in the mowed lawn surrounding the picnic area. Remember to bring your chairs for the Main Ceremony and to practice good park etiquette by following the posted speed limits and practicing Pack It In, Pack it Out principles with your garbage.

09/19/2024

Two days to go!
Today, we want to ask for your help with understanding the incredible ecological diversity that can be found at Ferne Clyffe SP. Starting on the day of the Anniversary Celebration and over the course of the next year, we will be collecting observations from citizen scientists (YOU!) as part of an iNaturalist project to document as many species as possible that live within the Park. To participate, download (for free) the Seek and iNaturalist apps onto your phone and start taking pictures of any critter, plant, or fungus you encounter while visiting. Not only will you learn more about the nature that surrounds you, you will contribute to a record of Ferne Clyffe at its 75 year mark. Consider joining one of the four tours being offered this Saturday - native plant ID, tree ID, bird ID, and land management (with some species ID) - and tracking what you see! More information about the project can be found at:

Ferne Clyffe State Park was established on 10 January 1949 from an original parcel of 140 acres offered to the state by Miss Emma Rebman, a local schoolteacher and Johnson county school superintendent. In the 75 years that have passed, the park has undergone incredible growth from that core property...