How to Avoid Getting Lost While Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

You’ll likely want to avoid getting lost while hiking in the Shawnee National Forest because even though the Shawnee is small, there are rolling hills, a lack of good drinking water resources, and even rattlesnakes.

I don’t write this article to scare you. Don’t be scared. Many people (including myself) hike the Shawnee National Forest frequently and never get lost or injured.

However, going into the Shawnee National Forest, assuming you could never get lost, is naïve and will most likely put you into a bad situation if you’re not prepared.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to avoid getting lost while hiking in the Shawnee National Forest and what to do if you ever do get lost.

It’s Easy to Get Turned Around in the Shawnee National Forest

For a National Forest that is under 300,000 acres, you’d almost think that no one gets lost in the Shawnee National Forest.

You might also believe in the misconception that the whole state of Illinois is flat. If you’re from Southern Illinois, you know that assumption is very incorrect. The southernmost part of Illinois is covered in ridgelines, bluffs, and hills, with some reaching almost to a legal mountain elevation status.

There are many reasons why one would get lost in the hills of the Shawnee National Forest.

The forest is full of steep rolling hills, ridgelines, and mazes of bluff lines. There are many old, unmaintained forest service roads and user-created trails that are not officially mapped. Many trails have poor signage and signs that have been left on older trails after reroutes have been created.

There are also rivers, creeks, private property tracts, and conditions that make getting lost in the Shawnee National Forest very possible.

How to Avoid Getting Lost While Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

Luckily for you and everyone else, there are many things you can do to avoid getting lost while hiking in the Shawnee National Forest.

1. Research the Trail Better

Before you decide to go hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, try to spend some time researching the trail you want to hike.

Look up important information like the trail name, length, difficulty, and trailhead information. Seek information about parking because not all parking in the Shawnee National Forest is easy. You’ll also want to know if the trail is a loop, out and back, or point to point.

Research social media for more information about the trail, such as the Facebook groups Southern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Recreation and The Shawnee National Forest. You can also check out my many Free Trail Guides with very detailed information that you won’t find anywhere else.

2. Download Apps and Maps

If you want to avoid getting lost while hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, then you need some apps and maps to help keep you from getting lost.

Most of the Shawnee National Forest has little to no cell phone signal. You’ll have to access maps and apps that can be viewed without a cell phone signal. Most of those apps and maps do cost a little bit of money.

I recommend the AllTrails Premium App, as most of our trails are on the app, and it has recent trail reviews that will help you decide if you want to hike the trail or not. If you use my link, I’ll earn a commission, but it will not impact your price in any way. Make sure you download the maps before you go to the trail.

If you’re advanced in topography and LiDAR knowledge, I recommend OnX Hunt Elite. That is the main app that I use to navigate through the backcountry anywhere I go. This is a premium app for smartphones.

You can also get paper maps from Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, as well as the Harrisburg and Vienna stations for the Shawnee National Forest.

3. Carry a Charger and Charging Cord

Whether you use your smartphone or a dedicated GPS unit, losing battery while out in the Shawnee National Forest is very possible.

You’ll need something to charge up your batteries. I suggest bringing extra batteries when that is applicable. This would be for GPS units, flashlights, and headlamps.

You should also bring a charging brick that is fully charged and a charging cord for your phone and devices. Cell phone battery life tends to drain fast in the Shawnee National Forest. The last thing you want is to be lost without your phone or devices working.

You can also put your smartphone into Airplane Mode to help conserve battery life.

4. Tell Someone Where You’re Going

It’s not hard to get lost in the Shawnee National Forest if you’re not prepared for it.

However, it’s even easier to tell someone where you’re going before you go on your adventure. Tell someone exactly where you plan to hike. Give them a map and circle the area, telling them what trails and where you will park.

Tell this to someone personal, such as a friend or family member. Don’t post it online where everyone can see it. You don’t want every stranger out there knowing where you are going, especially if you’re hiking solo.

If you get lost or don’t come back, your contact point can contact search and rescue with vital information that could get you found sooner.

5. Start Early and Keep an Eye on the Time

You’ll have more daylight to hike the trail if you start as early as possible, especially during the winter months when it gets dark sooner.

During the winter months in the Shawnee National Forest, it becomes dark at around 5:00 PM. This is also the best season to hike if you don’t want to deal with overgrowth, ticks, and snakes. You’ll have to start early if you want to go for a longer hike and get out before nightfall.

Just make sure you keep track of the time and plan a turnaround point if you need to set one.

6. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

While hiking, try to observe your surroundings and take mental images of landmarks around you in case you get turned around and need to see something familiar.

This can include points of interest, bluffs, rock formations, waterfalls, caves, signage, bridges, overlooks, and things that will be easy to remember. Don’t hike with your head down. Hike looking forward, so that you can recognize what is all around you.

You’ll also want to watch where you’re hiking. Watch out for social trails at junctions or game paths that are not real trails. You also want to watch out for hazards like cliff edges, holes, ground bees, and snakes.

7. Stay on the Trail

Most people get lost in the Shawnee National Forest when they get off the trail.

Unless you’re experienced in backcountry navigation, you should try to stay on designated trails at all times. It’s easy to get lost when going off-trail, and it can be hard to find your way back to the trail.

Bushwhacking could get you hurt. There are hidden cliff edges, venomous snakes, hazardous plants, and even unprotected deep wells from back when the area was homesites and farmland. Going off-trail will significantly increase your risk of having a bad experience hiking in the Shawnee National Forest.

8. Keep an Eye Out for Trail Markers

Try to watch for trail markers along the trails that you hike to help with navigation.

These markers are usually either diamond-shaped blazes or signs. They’re usually a little higher in trees because most are constructed by horseback riders. Some have numbers, and some have different colors.

You should also rely on an app like AllTrails or a paper map, too. Sometimes, trail markers are wrong because the trail has been rerouted and the marker hasn’t been removed. You should double-check your route using a map or app.

Be cautious following ribbons tied to trees, as most of them lead to areas where deer hunters go to hunt and not to ways out of the forest. If you follow these ribbons, you might get yourself deeper into the forest. Then you’ll be lost even more than you were originally.

Avoid Getting Lost While Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest by Bringing the Right Gear

Bring the right hiking gear with you to avoid getting lost while hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, but also to survive if you do get lost and need to stay overnight in the woods.

Every hiker should bring at least the following:

• Fully charged phone
• Phone charging cord and charging brick
• Offline Map App, Paper Map, and a Compass
• Headlamp and flashlight with extra batteries
• Whistle
• Extra water and extra snacks (and electrolytes)
• Small first aid kit
• Oversized rain poncho (great for emergency shelter)
• Paracord
• A knife and a small folding saw to cut wood.
• Fire starting kit
• Emergency space blanket
• Extra layers

You should also wear durable hiking boots or shoes with good grip. Wear comfortable hiking clothing that is breathable and wicks moisture from your body. Bring bug spray and sunblock, too.

Try Not to Hike Alone

Hiking alone in an unfamiliar area will significantly increase your chances of getting lost in the Shawnee National Forest.

Try to hike with a loved one, friend, or hiking group if you can find one. The River to River Trail Society puts on free public group hikes every spring and fall. Facebook also has other hiking clubs you can look up. Meet other hikers in groups and become friends, and hike together.

Hiking with Shawn also provides low-cost guided hiking services if you need to hire a guide for a more rugged and backcountry hiking experience.

What To Do if You Get Lost While Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

If you ever get lost while hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, it’s important to know what to do.

The first thing is that you shouldn’t panic because that is only going to make things worse, no matter what. Stop hiking, breathe, and try to calm down before you take your next step. Most lost hikers are found safe or are able to find their way out.

You should also follow the STOP process when getting lost in the woods:

• S for Stop Walking.
• T for Think about where you can remember your last location.
• O for Observe your surroundings.
• P for Plan your next move carefully.

Stay calm, don’t keep wandering around, and check your map or app for your location and how far from the trail you are. If you’re truly lost and can call 911, do so, and then stay put and follow their instructions. Try to make yourself visible.

Another option for gear is a PLB or a Personal Locator Beacon. You can activate the beacon when you’re lost, and it will contact search and rescue services. Many people use these, but they do typically require a paid subscription.

If you’re unable to move and you need help, try to use a whistle to call for help. Blow it hard three times fast. Try not to yell, as that will take a lot of energy from you and tire you out.

Best Trails to Hike if You Don’t Want To Get Lost in the Shawnee

Stick to easier-to-follow trails in the Shawnee National Forest if you’re afraid of getting lost.

• Garden of the Gods Observation Trail
• Giant City Nature Trail
• Big Rocky Hollow Trail
• Tunnel Hill State Trail
• Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
• Millstone Bluff Trail
• LaRue Pine Hills Snake Road
• Lake Glendale Lake Loop Trail

Trails and Areas Where You Risk Getting Lost if Not Prepared

The following trails and areas of the Shawnee National Forest are places where the unprepared would likely get lost.

• Lusk Creek Wilderness
• Panther Den Wilderness
• Jackson Falls
• Burden Falls Wilderness
• Bell Smith Springs
• Little Grand Canyon
• Piney Creek Ravine
• Bald Knob Wilderness
• Clear Springs Wilderness
• Garden of the Gods Wilderness
• Bay Creek Wilderness

Final Checklist to Avoid Getting Lost While Hiking in the Shawnee National Forest

Before you go hiking in the Shawnee National Forest, have you:

• Downloaded an offline map
• Charged your phone
• Packed all the needed safety gear
• Told someone your plan
• Checked the local weather
• Understand what time it gets dark.
• Packed more water and snacks than you’ll need
• Studies the trail route and reviews
• Took a photo of the trailhead map if provided
• Took a compass reading of where you started the trail
• Started your hike early

Hiking with Shawn’s Final Advice

The Shawnee National Forest is a beautiful place to go on an adventure, and you’ll have experiences of a lifetime hiking here. You just need to respect the raw and ruggedness of nature. If you prepare for your hike, you’ll greatly reduce the chance of getting lost or getting hurt.

I’d love to invite you to become a Patreon Member to help support Hiking with Shawn. You can pay $3 a month to $10 a month and get the same features. It’s whatever you want to pay to support my efforts, and you can cancel anytime, too.

Be sure to join my Hiking and Backpacking Forum and subscribe to my free monthly newsletter for even more hiking information.

And Until Next Time, I’ll See You on the Trail!