Shawnee National Forest for Beginners

This is your ultimate Shawnee National Forest for beginners guide.

The near 300,000-acre Shawnee National Forest spans across most of the southern portion of Illinois. The forest, while large, is perfect for beginners because of the massive trail system and all the recreational areas.

This Shawnee National Forest for beginners guide will tell you everything you need to know to start enjoying the Shawnee National Forest as a beginner.

What is the Shawnee National Forest?

​The Shawnee National Forest is a National Forest in Southern Illinois managed by the US Forest Service.

The Shawnee National Forest spans multiple counties in the extreme southern portion of Illinois, including Jackson, Union, Alexander, Johnson, Pope, Gallatin, Saline, Hardin, and Massac counties. It is just under 300,000 acres. The southern edge of the Glacier Period created most of the bluff and rock formations that we see today in the Shawnee National Forest hundreds of thousands of years ago.

The most popular areas in the Shawnee National Forest include recreational areas such as Garden of the Gods, Bell Smith Springs, Rim Rock National Recreation Area, and Little Grand Canyon.

The Shawnee National Forest was named after the Shawnee, a tribe of Native Americans who once inhabited the area. Most of the Shawnee is a second-growth forest, as all the original growth trees were timbered by early European settlers when they arrived in Southern Illinois. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) created most of the Shawnee National Forest in the 1930s and 1940s.

Why Visit the Shawnee National Forest as a Beginner?

There are many reasons why you should visit the Shawnee National Forest as a beginner.

There are many beginner-friendly trails and outdoor experiences that you’ll be able to enjoy during your visit. Many of the easier trails are well-used and well-marked, making them simple to hike. There is also a lot to do in terms of tourism and enjoying what the Shawnee communities have to offer.

The Shawnee National Forest is relatively safe to visit all year long, with few closures aside from some campgrounds and backcountry forest service roads.

For travelers in the Midwest and Upper South, visiting the Shawnee National Forest is ideal for a vacation close to home. It’s relatively cheap and close to many major cities such as Nashville, St. Louis, and Chicago. The Shawnee National Forest can give you a great time, just like any other tourist destination. Still, you’ll spend half the cost of visiting.

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When is the Best Time to Visit the Shawnee National Forest

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Visiting the Shawnee National Forest is great all year round. Still, you might want to wait for a specific season to see different things.

In the Spring and Summer months, the Shawnee turns green and wildflowers bloom, giving you a lot to look at and a nice warm forest to enjoy. Fall brings you amazing fall colors, which look so good when mixed in with our pine and cedar trees. In the winter, the leaves are off the trees, and you can see everything the forest has to offer, and fewer crowds along with it.

If you do want to visit for fall colors, the best time to visit is usually around mid-October.

Avoid recreation in the Shawnee National Forest during firearms hunting season, as it can be dangerous for you and disruptive for hunters. In the summer, we do have ticks, and many may want to visit during different seasons to avoid them. Use caution when visiting in the winter, as many forest service roads will not be treated for snow and ice.

Getting To and Around the Shawnee National Forest

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Getting to and around the Shawnee National Forest is relatively easy.

The major access points and communities in and around the Shawnee National Forest include Harrisburg, Eddyville, Vienna, Elizabethtown, Golconda, Goreville, Makanda, Carbondale, and Murphysboro.

The Shawnee National Forest HQ is in Harrisburg. The east side of the forest is managed by Hidden Springs Ranger Station in Vienna, and the west side is managed by Mississippi Bluffs Ranger Station in Jonesboro.

There are many great Airbnb rentals, cabins, campgrounds, and hotels in and close to the Shawnee National Forest.

To navigate the forest, it’s recommended to use an app that can be used without cellphone data, such as All Trails (affiliate link), OnX Hunt, Gaia, or Avenza. Many locations within the Shawnee National Forest are dead zones for cellphone signals. Paper maps are also available at Ranger Stations and online through Friends of the Shawnee National Forest.

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Best Beginner Hikes in the Shawnee National Forest

There are many great hikes for beginners in the Shawnee National Forest.

Some of the better-looking trails that are easy for beginner hikers include:

• Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
• Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
• Heron Pond Boardwalk
• Ferne Clyffe State Park
• Lake Glendale Loop

These trails feature loops and out-and-back hikes, are low in elevation, easy to follow, and generally populated with other users. We also have many great moderate and rugged trails. Just make sure you bring plenty of water and a snack when venturing into the Shawnee National Forest.

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Shawnee National Forest for Beginners: Packing List

It’s important to wear the right clothing, pack the right gear, and ensure you’re healthy while using the trails in the Shawnee National Forest.

Make sure you’re wearing comfortable hiking boots or shoes that are broken in. Hiking-specific or athletic/fitness clothing is fine, but stay away from cotton, as it doesn’t breathe well. Pack layers and rain gear just in case.

You should definitely bring a daypack with you and make sure you have the 10 essential hiking gear items best to be brought into the Shawnee National Forest.

The Shawnee National Forest is no stranger to biting bugs and ticks. When adventuring in the national forest, make sure to use tick defense (such as Permethrin on your gear) and big spray (with DEET). Be sure to check yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after every hike just to be safe.

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Shawnee National Forest for Beginners: Safety Trail Etiquette

If you’re a beginner in the Shawnee National Forest, it’s best to follow some of these basic guidelines for trail etiquette and safety.

Try to stay on marked trails. Don’t venture off trail unless you know what you’re doing. Most people who get lost in the Shawnee National Forest are ones who get off trail and can’t find their way back to where they started.

Be aware of wildlife like snakes, coyotes, bobcats, and even deer, which could become defensive if you corner or surprise them.

Follow basic Leave No Trace practice when hiking in the Shawnee National Forest. Pack out what you pack in and pick up any trash you find. Please don’t stack rocks, as it only destroys habitat and could confuse hikers and result in them getting lost.

In the event of an emergency, either press the SOS button on your PLB or call 911 if your phone has no signal.

Shawnee National Forest Photography & Sightseeing Tips

The Shawnee National Forest is perfect for shooting photography.

We have amazing sunset/sunrise spots, including Garden of the Gods, Inspiration Point, Little Grand Canyon, and Ferne Clyffe State Park. Be careful around the edges of scenic overlooks. These are the spots people fall from time to time, and they usually don’t make it after they fall.

You can use a real camera to take amazing photos in the Shawnee National Forest, but cell phone pictures can be just as good.

For the best waterfall photos, I recommend Burden Falls, Packentuck, and Ferne Clyffe State Park. For fall colors, the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Overlook or the Observation Trail are really nice. For wildflowers, Cedar Lake and Dutchman Lake are really nice.

Shawnee National Forest Local Resources & Events

I recommend these items if you need to find more resources for beginners regarding the Shawnee National Forest.

Visit the Shawnee National Forest in Harrisburg, Vienna, or Jonesboro for forest information, Shawnee Forest merchandise, and paper maps.

Stop by the small towns in and around the Shawnee National Forest for great food, sweet shops, mercantile, and gas. Please shop and stay local, as it really helps our region and encourages growth. There are many extra things to do in these small towns, as well, and many of these things are free.

Be sure to join Southern Illinois Hiking and Outdoor Recreation on Facebook or join the Shawnee National Forest Discord Server.

There are always events going on around the Shawnee. You can help pick up litter or go on a group hike. The Forest Service and supporting organizations also host many events throughout the year that are open to the public and usually free.

Check out Friends of the Shawnee National Forest to support the organization that supports everything in the Shawnee National Forest.

Additional Activities Beyond Hiking

There are many things to do other than hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, too.

We offer camping, kayaking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, birdwatching, and sightseeing. We have wineries and even a zip-lining experience. Carbondale and Marion have even more awesome things to do.

Shawnee National Forest isn’t just your destination; the entire Southern Illinois region is here for your visiting pleasure.

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Now, Over to You!

I encourage you to thoroughly plan your Shawnee National Forest itinerary so that you get the best out of our awesome region.

If you need help with your plan, comment below and ask, and I’ll definitely help you out.

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And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.

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