Hiking with Shawn

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.

Giant City Nature Trail Guide

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 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 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 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 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 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?

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 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...

5 Hiking Mistakes You Shouldn’t Be Making

5 Hiking Mistakes You Shouldn’t Be Making

5 Hiking Mistakes You Shouldn’t Be MakingHiking mistakes happen. Like any mistake, there are mistakes in everything. But we should try our best to avoid mistakes whenever possible. The same goes for the mistakes we make during our hiking adventures. It’s easy to make...

Latest Trail Guides

Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.

One Horse Gap Hiking Guide – Shawnee National Forest

One Horse Gap Hiking Guide – Shawnee National Forest

One Horse Gap Hiking Guide for the Shawnee National ForestOne Horse Gap is a beautiful area located in the Shawnee National Forest. There are ample hiking opportunities available at this location. Other great activities in this area include fishing, paddling,...

Little Grand Canyon Trail Guide – Shawnee National Forest

Little Grand Canyon Trail Guide – Shawnee National Forest

Little Grand Canyon Trail Guide Shawnee National ForestLittle Grand Canyon is a popular day hiking loop trail located on the western side of the Shawnee National Forest near Carbondale, Illinois. This is a full loop hike of about 3.5-miles total. The best way to hike...

Pomona Natural Bridge Guide – Shawnee National Forest

Pomona Natural Bridge Guide – Shawnee National Forest

Pomona Natural Bridge Guide Shawnee National ForestPomona Natural Bridge is a popular natural bluff feature located near Pomona, Illinois, in the Shawnee National Forest, Mississippi Bluff Ranger District. Pomona Natural Bridge is a moderately difficult loop trail...

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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