Panoramic view from a high wooded bluff summit over a broad river and flat floodplain to distant hills, autumn color in the foreground trees

McAdams Peak

McAdams Peak is a bluff-top overlook in Pere Marquette State Park with a view over the Illinois River and its backwaters. IDNR notes a Native American burial mound on its summit. Reach it on the hiking trails from the Visitor Center, or drive the Scenic Drive and park near Twin Shelter or Eagles Roost for a shorter walk.

At a Glance

McAdams Peak at a Glance

What it isBluff-top overlook above the Illinois River

On topA Native American burial mound

NearbyTwin Mounds, Twin Shelter, Eagles Roost

Closest parkingScenic Drive lots

Good forViews, birding, fall color

Guided school hikesAsk the Visitor Center

What You See From McAdams Peak

From the top you look out toward the Illinois River. IDNR lists McAdams Peak, along with the other overlooks on the Scenic Drive, among the park's popular bird-watching spots, and the Illinois River below is where wintering bald eagles gather from December to March. In fall, the wooded ravines below turn color; IDNR calls fall color drives here popular.

The Burial Mound on the Summit

IDNR's history of the park says burial mounds are spread across the park, "including one atop McAdams Peak", left by the Native American cultures that lived in these hills. Archaeologists describe six such cultures in the region. Walk around the mound, not over it.

How to Get to McAdams Peak

From the Visitor Center: take the hiking trails that climb behind the Visitor Center and lodge to the ridge. IDNR's map shows the trails meeting at McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds.
From the Scenic Drive: drive up to the parking near Twin Shelter or Eagles Roost and walk the ridge trails from there.

Pick up the paper map at the Visitor Center first; trail colors are listed on our trail map page.

Twin Mounds and Twin Shelter

Twin Mounds sits just along the ridge from McAdams Peak, and IDNR's school and scout program runs guided hikes on the park's history and geology to both "McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds Peak". Twin Shelter, a picnic shelter on the Scenic Drive, is the nearest parking and meeting spot.

Good For

A first visit: it is the park's signature view.
Eagle season: bring binoculars, or borrow a pair free at the Visitor Center with a state ID. See eagle watching.
Fall color.

Maybe Skip If

You need a flat walk: the ridge is reached by climbing. Try the riverside paved bike trail instead.
It is after sundown: trails close at dusk.

Guided Hikes to the Peak

School and scout groups can book a guided hike on the park's history and geology to McAdams Peak and Twin Mounds. Call the Visitor Center, Monday to Saturday, at (618) 786-3323. Individuals can join the free public weekend hikes; see hiking.

A hiker standing at an open rocky bluff edge looking out over a wide river valley in fall color

FAQ

McAdams Peak FAQ

Where is McAdams Peak?

On the bluff top in Pere Marquette State Park near Grafton, Illinois, above the Visitor Center and lodge. The Scenic Drive passes close by.

How do you get to McAdams Peak?

Hike up from the Visitor Center on the marked trails, or drive the Scenic Drive and park near Twin Shelter or Eagles Roost for a shorter walk.

What is on top of McAdams Peak?

An overlook above the Illinois River and, according to IDNR, a Native American burial mound.

Can you see eagles from McAdams Peak?

Often, in December to March. IDNR names McAdams Peak and the Scenic Drive overlooks as bird-watching spots, and eagles winter along the Illinois River below.