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.
Water versus Powerade for Outdoor Recreation
Water versus Powerade for Outdoor RecreationThe water versus Powerade debate, Hiking with Shawn style. I want to discuss my thoughts on using water or Powerade for hydration while hiking and biking. I’ve experimented with water and Powerade for all the activities...
Giant City Nature Trail Guide
Giant City Nature Trail GuideGiant City Nature Trail is one of the most popular trails in Giant City State Park. The Nature Trail is an easy loop hike appropriate for hikers of all ages and difficulties. There is a lot to see along the Giant City Nature Trail that...
Tick Defense for Hikers
Tick Defense for HikersWhat do you do for tick defense? As we approach warmer weather, that means we’ll get back into tick season. Ticks will be out, and we'll see them crawling on us more often as the trail gets overgrown. In this article, I’ll tell you about tick...
Snake Road Survey
Snake Road SurveyPlease take this Snake Road Survey. This survey is mainly meant for southern Illinois locals. This is for everyone in southern Illinois to determine their perception of Snake Road. Take the Snake Road Survey, whether you’re for or against it. Take the...
Giant City Trillium Trail Guide
Giant City Trillium Trail GuideGiant City Trillium Trail is a popular trail located near Makanda in Southern Illinois. Trillium Trail is a part of Giant City State Park. The trail is also known as Fern Rocks Nature Preserve. As a designated nature preserve, it is...
Keeping Public Land Secret
Keeping Public Land SecretThe entire phrase “Keeping Public Land Secret” all on its own brings about mystery, curiosity, and even anger. What is this secret land you tell me about? How do I find out more? How dare you keep land secret from me! Some people do not like...
What Do You Want To See Next?
What Do You Want To See Next?What do you think about this blog? What articles does it lack? What do you want me to write about? Do you want me to keep writing every day? Please leave me a comment and let me know how I can improve this blog. I’m all ears (or eyes since...
Hammock versus Tent: Which one is Better?
Hammock versus Tent: Which one is Better?Let’s discuss the hammock versus tent debate and see which is better. This article shows the pros and cons of sleeping in a hammock. You’ll also see the pros and cons of sleeping in a tent. After reading the hammock versus tent...
Best Shawnee Forest Biking Locations
Best Shawnee Forest Biking LocationsAre you searching for the best Shawnee Forest biking locations? Look no further. The Shawnee National Forest is a great cycling destination for all sorts of biker riders. Whether you’re into shredding down mountain bike...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Big H
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Big HBig H or H-Rock is a natural window/arch feature located in Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area in the Shawnee National Forest. There is a nice 6.3-mile loop (650-foot elevation gain) from the main Observation Trail Day-Use...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Cedar Creek Wonders
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Cedar Creek WondersCedar Creek Wonders is a uniquely presented feature of the Shawnee National Forest located in the more middle section of the Shawnee Purchase Unit. Cedar Creek Wonders is an excellent waterfall chasing spot...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Cave-In-Rock State Park
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Cave-In-Rock State ParkCave-In-Rock State Park is a history-rich state park located on the southern Illinois side of the Ohio River. The area has a history for being a popular place used by river pirates and outlaws as early as...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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Interested in Writing on the Hiking with Shawn Blog?
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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