TCG Tour Day 3 (4-day)
Day 3 is all about cruising the scenic roads and soaking in the southern Illinois sights, including driving “Land Between The Lakes” and taking a half-mile hike through “Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.” 372 miles; 6 hours, 58 minutes
Start: 8:30 am departure. Hampton Inn by Hilton Bowling Green, 233 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Leg 1: From hotel to Parker’s Drive-In, through Land Between The Lakes. 3 h 22 min (173.2 miles)
To get to Land between the lakes, navigate to 1501 Donelson Pkwy Dover TN 37058. Fill up at this BP and head up through the curvy roads.
Lunch: Parker’s Drive-In 2921 Lone Oak Rd Paducah, KY 42003.
Stop 1: Garden of the Gods Observation Trail. Picnic Rd, Herod, IL 62947. GPS coordinates: 37.604853, -88.384699. Here, we’ll hike a half-mile trail and see some super sweet rocks.
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites Effingham, 1305 North Keller Drive, Effingham, IL 62401. From trail to hotel, 2 h 25 min (140 mi).
Dinner: On your own. Grab some food, wash the car and meet at 8 pm. Bring booze and a lawn chair to the hotel parking lot at 8 pm.