Hiking with Shawn Blog
Welcome to the Hiking with Shawn Blog! You can expect weekly blog posts featuring hiking, camping, cycling, and kayaking tips. I also post trail guides around Southern Illinois and beyond. You’ll also find gear reviews on the Hiking with Shawn Blog, as well.
Latest from the Hiking with Shawn Blog
The Hiking with Shawn Blog will feature one post a week featuring outdoor recreation tips, trail guides, and gear reviews.
10 Trails to See Fall Colors in Southern Illinois
10 Trails to See Fall Colors in Southern IllinoisWe’re getting close to seeing more fall colors in Southern Illinois. Southern Illinois is home to numerous great areas to see fall colors. Some places are easy to get to, while others demand a challenge but offer a...
Southern Illinois Trail Running Guide
Southern Illinois Trail Running GuideYou should get into Southern Illinois trail running! Southern Illinois is a hidden gem for trail runners. There are plenty of great trails here, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a challenge. Many people run these...
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for Backpacking
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for BackpackingHave you ever heard of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove? When backpacking, choosing the right stove is important. If you choose one that doesn’t work well, that might stop you from eating your meal. Not getting a...
How to Choose a Good Backpack for Backpacking
How to Choose a Good Backpack for BackpackingYou can’t just take any backpack for backpacking. It’s essential to choose the right backpack for your backpacking needs. A daypack wasn’t made for multi-day backpacking. You need a specific backpack made for backpacking,...
10 of My Favorite Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2025
10 of My Favorite Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2025Everyone is always asking me about my favorite waterfalls in Southern Illinois! I figured it’s time to list them, at the very least, in a top 10. I chose a top 10 because they’re all my favorites, but that’s...
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail Guide
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail GuideButtermilk Hill Beach Trail is a multi-use, out-and-back trail located on Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The hike is around 7.6 miles. This is an out-and-back trail that requires you to hike a long...
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for Backpacking
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for BackpackingThe Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a well-known water filter used in the hiking and backpacking community. Aside from its widespread recognition, the filter has been in use and extensively tested for many years within the...
How to Choose the Best Hiking Daypack
How to Choose the Best Hiking DaypackAre you looking for the best hiking daypack possible? It’s essential to find a suitable daypack for several reasons. You want to be comfortable on your hike. You want to be free of pain. You especially want convenience while out on...
10 Easy Summer Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois
10 Easy Summer Hiking Trails in Southern IllinoisAre you looking for easy summer hiking trails in Southern Illinois? Many people decide not to hike in the summer because they imagine all the trails are in bad shape and covered in biting bugs. As a result, they miss...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Homer’s Garage Video Guide
Homer’s Garage Video GuideIn this video, we explore an old settlement located within Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. The old settlement features Homer’s Garage, which has an old foundation and an old school bus that has been heavily graffitied over the years.What...
Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook Guide
Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook GuideHave you ever been to Fort Jefferson Hill Scenic Overlook near Wickliffe, Kentucky? This is a great roadside stop if you’re visiting Wickliffe Mounds or biking on the Mississippi River Trail. It features a beautiful overlook,...
ASMR LBL Creek Hike Video
ASMR LBL Creek Hike VideoIn this video, we explore a creek located in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky and hike down to it. Although there is some talking in this video, I've tried my best to create an ASMR-type video for you to...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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I am currently accepting guest contributions from outdoor enthusiasts and local businesses and organizations that are interested in posting on my blog. For the most part, guest posting is free as long as it’s non-commercial in nature. Just to be clear, I do not sell links. While I do accept paid sponsored posts from time to time, I reject around 9 out of 10 of sponsored post requests. If the content isn’t of the highest value to my readers, I will not accept it.
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