Hiking

There are many miles of diverse hiking and backpacking trails in the Shawnee National Forest including the 160-mile River to River Trail. Take extra precautions during hunting seasons by wearing bright orange clothing. It is a good idea to carry a compass and map. Forest streams do not meet the safety standards for drinking water. We recommend taking your drinking water with you. National Forest ownership is interspersed with privately-owned lands. Respect the rights of private landowners by staying on public lands. Hikers should yield to equestrians. Moving off the trail to the downhill side and talking with the rider will help keep from startling their horse

Backpacking

Experience the natural beauty and heritage of the Shawnee National Forest. Protect the Forest for yourself and others. While over 300 miles of trails are marked, 30 miles are for hiking only. Trails traverse the hills and valleys of the Shawnee Hills and the Illinois Ozarks.

Note to wilderness visitors: Please be aware you could face inherent risks of adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, and lack of rapid communications. Search and rescue may not be as rapid as expected.

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Recreation Opportunities

Backpacking (16)

Day Hikes (20)

Showing: 1 - 10 of 24 results

Bald Knob Wilderness

Site Open

Adjacent to the beautiful Bald Knob Cross landmark this rugged and remote wilderness offers the Bald Knob trail loop and the linear Godwin Trail which connects into Clear Springs wilderness. Along…

Bay Creek Lake

Site Open

Bay Creek Lake, also known as Millstone Lake is about 96 acres and fed by Bay Creek.  Bay Creek is known for its clear clean spring-fed waters. This lake is becoming more popular, but it is not…

Bay Creek Wilderness

Site Open

Bay Creek Wilderness is located in Pope County. The Wilderness is located adjacent to Burden Falls Wilderness and is in a stone's throw of Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area. Bay Creek Wilderness is…

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area

Site Open

Bell Smith Springs is one of the most beautiful recreation areas the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. It contains a series of clear, rocky streams and scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone…

Burden Fall Wilderness

Site Open

Burden Falls Wilderness is located in Pope County. The Wilderness is located adjacent to Bay Creek Wilderness and is in a stone's throw of Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area.Burden Falls Wilderness…

Camp Cadiz Campground

Site Open

This campground is the site of an old Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work camp. Somewhat off the beaten path Camp Cadiz is usually quiet and rarely do the campsites fill up; with the exception of…

Cedar Lake

Site Open

The shores of this 1,750-acre lake is lined with forests and colorful bluffs. National forest land encompasses the south end of the lake and provides one of the most tranquil water settings in the…

Clear Springs Wilderness

Site Open

Located on the west side of the Shawnee National Forest, Clear Springs Wilderness is one of the largest designated wildernesses in Illinois.  With elevations ranging from 400 feet to over 900…

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Site Open

One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.The Observation Trail…

Garden of the Gods Wilderness

Site Open

Garden Of The Gods Wilderness is located in Saline, Pope, and Hardin Counties. The wilderness features an outstanding scenic views along with very unusual rock formations. Trails for hiking and…