Panther Den, a Southern Illinois Classic.

This one is a pretty good drive from St. Louis, but we are gonna throw it in the Falcon Guide anyway.  I think most will agree that it is worth the drive?

We get asked for directions to Panther Den Wilderness all the time, so here ya go: Coming from Giant City Road in Carbondale, you turn left on Grassy Road and then right onto Rocky Comfort Road (watch for the Y and stay right on Rocky Comfort).  Pass the Blue Sky Winery and take the next left onto Panther's Den Road and then left onto Panther's Den Lane.  The forest service has made this area over and there is now a parking area at the end of the lane.

Park at the new trailhead and take forest service trail 371 to Panther Den for some sweet explorations!

Arnie, navigating the "maze".

Rat snake, I believe.

The high rock walls of Panther Den.