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.
REI Swiftland 9 Running Short Tights Review
REI Swiftland 9 Running Short Tights ReviewThis is my review of the REI Swiftland 9 Running Short Tights for hiking and trail running. These short tights are designed for hiking and trail running. This review is for the men’s version of these shorts. There was a...
How to Properly Plan for a Winter Hiking Trip
How to Properly Plan for a Winter Hiking TripIt’s important to plan for a winter hiking trip, the right way to prevent any mishaps or safety hazards that can ruin your day. Winter brings in a lot of extra hazards that other seasons lack. A lot of hikers don’t properly...
Hurricane Bluff Video Guide
Hurricane Bluff Video GuideIn this video, we join some friends for a hike around Hurricane Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest. This trail has a lot to see and is located near High Knob in Southern Illinois.What You’ll See At Hurricane Bluff This is what you can...
10 Winter Shawnee National Forest Day Trips to Do in 2026
10 Winter Shawnee National Forest Day Trips to Do in 2026Are you looking for winter Shawnee National Forest day trips to hike in 2026? I’ve created a list of some great winter day trips in and around the Shawnee National Forest for you to try in 2026. These hikes...
Fall Colors at Horseshoe Bluff Video
Fall Colors at Horseshoe Bluff VideoIn this video, we make the rugged hike to Horseshoe Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest to see fall colors. It was a great idea because we got to see beautiful fall colors, awesome bluffage, and other scenic views.What You’ll See...
Natural Bridge State Resort Park Guide
Natural Bridge State Resort Park GuideHave you ever been to the Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Eastern Kentucky? This Kentucky State Park in Slade, Kentucky, is one of the most amazing states parks I’ve been to. There is something to do for everyone, no matter...
New Trail at Garden of the Gods Video
New Trail at Garden of the Gods VideoIn this video, we find a new trail within Garden of the Gods Wilderness in the Shawnee National Forest. We had to go off trail to eventually find this new trail, but it was worth it because we saw a lot of cool stuff.What You’ll...
Osprey Siskin 8 Hydration Pack Review
Osprey Siskin 8 Hydration Pack ReviewThe Osprey Siskin 8 Hydration Pack was designed with mountain biking in mind but could easily be used for day hiking and trail running adventures, as well. I’d recommend this hydration pack to a variety of different users. Day...
Winter Hiking with Dogs: Safety, Gear, and Paw Care
Winter Hiking with Dogs: Safety, Gear, and Paw CareWinter hiking with dogs can be an incredible experience because you’ll deal with fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and happy pups. However, there are associated risks to consider. Some risks are unique to dogs when...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Nada Tunnel Guide
Nada Tunnel GuideHave you ever driven through the Nada Tunnel in Red River Gorge, Kentucky? This tunnel is more than just an old tunnel in the roadway. It’s the Gateway to Red River Gorge and all the great trails that you’ll be so anxious to start hiking on. It’s...
Pea Gravel Overlook Backpacking Adventure Video
Pea Gravel Overlook Backpacking Adventure VideoIn this video, we hike to Pea Gravel Overlook in the Shawnee National Forest for a backpacking trip. We camp, cook, and enjoy the beautiful scenery the Shawnee National Forest has to offer.What You’ll See IN THIS VIDEO...
Hurricane Bluff Video Guide
Hurricane Bluff Video GuideIn this video, we join some friends for a hike around Hurricane Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest. This trail has a lot to see and is located near High Knob in Southern Illinois.What You’ll See At Hurricane Bluff This is what you can...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Osprey Siskin 8 Hydration Pack Review
Osprey Siskin 8 Hydration Pack ReviewThe Osprey Siskin 8 Hydration Pack was designed with mountain biking in mind but could easily be used for day hiking and trail running adventures, as well. I’d recommend this hydration pack to a variety of different users. Day...
CompressionZ Shorts and Tights for Hiking and Trail Running
CompressionZ Shorts and Tights for Hiking and Trail RunningCompressionZ shorts and tights are compression wear products that are relatively inexpensive and great for hiking and trail running. I’ve been wearing their compression shorts and tights for both hiking and...
Under Armour ColdGear Leggings for Hiking and Trail Running
Under Armour ColdGear Leggings for Hiking and Trail RunningThe Under Armour ColdGear Leggings are insulated tights that wick moisture, made for outdoor and athletic activities, and are often used by many athletes. I use them myself for hiking and trail running. I’ll...
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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