A Guide to Summer Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

Summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest makes for some of the best hiking of the year.

Just because it’s hot and humid doesn’t mean you should lock yourself up inside and become a recluse until winter arrives. There are plenty of adventures to enjoy in the Shawnee without letting the heat and humidity drag you down.

In this article, I’ll explain how to enjoy summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest safely.

Enjoy Summer Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

Before you consider hating the idea of summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, let me plead my case of why it’s one of the best times to get out.

The canopy, plants, and trees are greener in the summer. There is more to see in the Shawnee National Forest in the summer than in any other season. Also, we tend to get more rain in the summer, so the waterfalls and creeks are usually flowing very nicely.

In the summer, there is more daylight, so you can enjoy longer hikes without the fear of it turning dark.

The wildflowers during the summer months are amazing to see. You can also see more abundance of wildlife ranging from reptiles to deer, birds, and so much more. Not to mention witnessing all the fireflies and butterflies of the summer.

When summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, there are also numerous swimming holes, creeks to wade in, and beaches to enjoy.

In the summer months, it’s warm. Take a break from the cold, bone-chilling winter months we tend to get and enjoy the heat. Put on some shorts and a tank top, and enjoy feeling like a kid again on summer break.

Essential Gear for Summe Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

Summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest often requires some essential gear, especially when it’s quite humid outside.

First, wear summer-appropriate clothing. You can wear hiking-specific clothing or even fitness clothing. Make sure the clothing is designed to wick moisture off your body and allow you to breathe.

Get a good pair of sturdy hiking boots or shoes and break them in before going on a longer hike.

Bring more sun protection gear than you may normally bring. This includes items like lip balm, sunscreen, sun sleeves, a hat, and even sunglasses. Protect your skin and eyes from dangerous sun rays.

During summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, treat your clothing, footwear, and gear with permethrin tick repellent and use plenty of bug spray.

Bring a good hydration system, including a hydration bladder and extra water bottles. Bring more water than you’ll actually need. Consider bringing a water filter as well, and make sure you know how to use it before you take it with you.

Carry a map and compass, GPS, or Trail App that can be accessed offline to ensure that you can find your way back to where you started your hike.

It’s important to stay fueled on your hiking adventure. Make sure you bring plenty of snacks with you. You should also pack some electrolyte tablets just in case you need that extra hydration.

Lastly, always make sure your day hiking backpack has all the 10 essentials of summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest.

Safety Tips for Summer Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

It’s important to stay safe when enjoying summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest.

Try to start early in the day. The earlier you start hiking, the cooler it will be. Starting early also gives you more daylight hours if you’re planning to hike longer trails.

Research dehydration and heat exhaustion before you go so that you fully understand what symptoms to look for while hiking in the heat and humidity.

Keep a close eye on potentially hazardous wildlife and plants. Snakes live in the Shawnee National Forest, and some are venomous. Poison ivy (leaves of three) and stinging nettle (often found around creeks) can cause minor to severe skin irritation if you come into contact with them.

Always let someone know exactly where you’re hiking before you go, and tell them what time you expect to be back.

Be careful around edges, waterfalls, water holes, and cliff jumps. Falling is the number one cause of death in the Shawnee National Forest. Keep in mind that it can take several hours for emergency responders to get to you in the event of a fall.

You can avoid most hazards when summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest by simply staying on the trail.

Hydration and fueling are essential when hiking in the heat and humidity. Eat some trail mix or a bite of your trail bar every half hour, and wash it down with a few big swigs of your hydration. Make sure you take more breaks in the shade on the hottest days of the year.

If you must get out on the hottest days of the year, consider choosing shorter trails at state parks or some of the shorter trails listed below.

10 of the Best Summer Hikes in the Shawnee National Forest

Here are 10 of my favorite trails for enjoying summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest while considering the heat and humidity.

1. Garden of the Gods Observation Trail and Indian Point: A few miles of gorgeous scenic views, rock formations, and natural shelters.
2. Jackson Falls: This shorter trail has some rugged conditions, perfect for those of you looking for more challenging hiking.
3. Rim Rock National Recreation Trail: A few shorter trails that lead to very scenic views and even a short spur to a public swimming beach at Pounds Hollow.
4. Bell Smith Springs: A lot of shorter trails leading to amazing rock formations, a large natural arch, and plenty of swimming and wading holes to enjoy on a hot day.
5. Little Grand Canyon: A shorter hike that is challenging for people looking for a rugged hike with scenic overlooks and beautiful rock formations.
6. Millstone Bluff: This is a very short loop with interpretive signage showing an ancient Native American village, perfect for learning local early history.
7. High Knob Loop: A short hiker-only loop trail with amazing views, natural shelter, rock formations, and plenty of bluffage.
8. Stoneface: A short hiking trail leads to an interesting rock formation that looks like a face, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks past Stoneface.
9. Burden Falls: A very easy to get to waterfall. You can view the upper waterfalls from the parking lot from inside your vehicle with the air conditioner blasting.
10. Trigg Tower: An easy to get to fire tower that you can actually climb up. This is a quick trip to see amazing scenery high above the trees in the Shawnee National Forest.

Remember to Leave No Trace when Adventuring

Practice Leave No Trace when enjoying summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest.

There is no trash service in the Shawnee National Forest, so if you leave trash behind, no one will come to get it. Please do not leave trash in our National Forest.

Most litter is picked up by volunteers, and leaving trash may put their safety at risk when they’re out picking it up.

Follow the pack it in, pack it out principal. If you pack it with you into the Shawnee, make sure you pack it back out with you when you’re done. Be a good steward of the Shawnee National Forest.

Make sure you bury your waste and take out any collected dog poop that you put into a poop bag.

Leave the Shawnee National Forest better than you found it. Take a small bag with you to collect any litter you might find. One of the best feelings in the world is helping to leave a natural area a little bit cleaner than it was before you got there.

Summer Camping in the Shawnee National Forest

Here are a few great locations for summer camping in the Shawnee National Forest.

1. Lake Glendale: There are electric sites, primitive sites, a shower house, hiking and biking trails, a lake, and a public swimming beach.
2. Pine Ridge: There are electric sites, primitive sites, hiking trails, a lake, and a public swimming beach.
3. Pharaoh Campground: There are primitive sites and plenty of hiking trails, and it’s a short walk to the Garden of the Gods.
4. Pine Hills Campground: The area has primitive sites, vault toilets, a picnic shelter, and plenty of hiking trails.
5. Redbud Campground: There are plenty of private primitive sites, vault toilets, and numerous trails taking you into Bell Smith Springs.
6. Turkey Bayou Campground: Turkey Bayou is the only free campground in the Shawnee National Forest, and it offers plenty of primitive sites to choose from.

Ice Cream is the Cure for Summer Heat

After a long, hot day of summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, you might want a scoop or two of ice cream.

• Garden of the Gods Outpost General Store is probably one of the best places in Southern Illinois to get soft-serve ice cream. It tastes better than anywhere else you’ll eat the sweet treat. They’re the real king of soft-serve ice cream.
• The Chocolate Factory in Golconda serves delicious hand-scooped ice cream in many flavors. You can also enjoy their other desserts.
• Riverside Mercantile in Elizabethtown is a great place to get delicious hand-scooped ice cream. They also sell many local goods and crafts. It’s one of the most unique stores in the region.
• Small Town Scoop in Murphysboro serves awesome hand-scooped ice cream. I like to get it in the cone bowl. You can also enjoy eating it inside and even play games.
• Cool Spoons in Carbondale is a great frozen yogurt establishment. You can decide on your flavor and what toppings you put on it. The more your ice cream weighs, the more it costs.
• Makanda Boardwalk is also a great place to get hand-scooped ice cream. They have quite a few flavors to choose from, too. Check the other shops to see what other goodies you can find, too.

Now, Over to You!

That covers everything you need to know about summer hiking in the Shawnee National Forest. Just remember that it will be hot and humid—drink plenty of water, rest often, and don’t overexert yourself.

Now I want to hear from you: What other tips do you have for those wanting to hike in the summer? What’s your favorite trail in the Shawnee to visit when it’s hot and humid?

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