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.
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...
How to Read Winter Animal Tracks on Your Hike
How to Read Winter Animal Tracks on Your HikeHave you ever wanted to learn how to read winter animal tracks on your hike? Winter gives you the perfect opportunity to discover a story being created in the snow. The story is by all the critters in the area living in...
Cedar Pond Mushroom Cabin Video
Cedar Pond Mushroom Cabin VideoIn this video, we are staying at Cedar Pond Mushroom Cabin located near Stonefort, Illinois. This is a fun Airbnb that offers a true nature experience.What You’ll See in this Video This is what you can expect to see on the Cedar Pond...
10 Great Restaurants in Southern Illinois to Get Christmas Gift Cards At
10 Great Restaurants in Southern Illinois to Get Christmas Gift Cards AtDo you like great restaurants in Southern Illinois? I bet you do. I know I do. I bet your friends, family, and co-workers would like them, as well. That’s why you should consider getting them the...
Snake Road 2025 Fall Migration Video
Snake Road 2025 Fall Migration VideoThis video contains several trips to LaRue Pine Hills Snake Road during the 2025 fall migration season. Each year, in the spring and in the fall, we visit this road to watch the migration of snakes and other wildlife.What You’ll See...
Pickle Springs Natural Area Trail Guide
Pickle Springs Natural Area Trail GuidePickle Springs Natural Area is a short but very scenic trail with a lot to see, located near Farmington, Missouri. This is a loop trail consisting of around 2 miles. The trail is moderately difficult with some rolling hills,...
Stoneface Trail Video Guide
Stoneface Trail Video GuideIn this video, we visit the Stoneface Trail in the Fall. Stoneface is located around Eagle Mountain in the Shawnee National Forest, and while we love visiting when it’s covered in snow more than any other time, visiting during fall colors...
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...
How to Take Better Hiking Pictures in the Snow
How to Take Better Hiking Pictures in the SnowAre you looking to take better hiking pictures in the snow? It’s winter. You’re a hiker. You like taking pictures of your hikes. Winter landscapes can be perfect for creating stunning photos, but they can be challenging...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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...
Cedar Bluff Fall Colors Video
Cedar Bluff Fall Colors VideoThis time we visit Cedar Bluff in Lick Creek, Illinois. It gives you beautiful views of the Shawnee National Forest, Draper’s Bluff, and Southern Illinois.What You’ll See in this Video This is what you can expect to see in this video....
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Janji Trail Tights for Hiking and Trail Running
Janji Trail Tights for Hiking and Trail RunningJanji Trail Tights have become my go-to tights for hiking and trail running when the weather is cool outside. The trail tights by Janji are for everyone, really. You can wear them hiking, trail running, backpacking, and...
AllTrails Hiking App Review
AllTrails Hiking App ReviewThe AllTrails hiking app is a great way to navigate hiking trails, as long as you use it to its fullest potential. AllTrails is a well-known hiking navigation app that has been tried and tested. It’s important to use some sort of navigation...
Yaktrax Review for Winter Hiking
Yaktrax Review for Winter HikingHave you ever used Yaktrax on your hike before? This gear item securely attaches to your footwear to improve traction on snow and ice. Hiking in the winter often means increased dangers of slipping and falling. But Yaktrax can help...
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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