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.
Koomer Ridge Campground Guide
Koomer Ridge Campground GuideHave you ever stayed at Koomer Ridge Campground in the Red River Gorge of Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky? My wife and I stayed at Koomer Ridge for an extended weekend during our one-year wedding anniversary and explored...
Alps Mountaineering Alliance Trekking Poles Review
Alps Mountaineering Alliance Trekking Poles ReviewI’ve been using the Alps Mountaineering Alliance Trekking Poles as my first experience with trekking poles, so I wanted to give my honest opinion of these trekking poles. In this review, I’ll share my likes, dislikes,...
Best Budget Winter Hiking Gear Under $50
Best Budget Winter Hiking Gear Under $50Are you looking for the best budget winter hiking gear you can find this season? Winter hiking doesn’t have to be expensive. With the rising gear costs, you can use smart budgeting tactics and still enjoy winter hiking....
Auxier Ridge to Courthouse Rock Trail Guide
Auxier Ridge to Courthouse Rock Trail GuideHave you ever hiked the Auxier Ridge to Courthouse Rock Trail at Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Eastern Kentucky? In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about hiking this trail, from...
Osprey Talon 6 Waist Pack Review
Osprey Talon 6 Waist Pack ReviewThe Osprey Talon 6 Waist Pack is a great option for day hikers who don’t want to carry a load on their backs. The Talon 6 Waist Pack by Osprey Packs is definitely one of a kind for hiking day packs. Instead of putting a load on your...
10 of My Favorite Frozen Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2026
10 of My Favorite Frozen Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2026Are you ready to chase frozen waterfalls in Southern Illinois? It’s already January, and you know what that means. It means it’s likely going to get colder, and any rain or snow that falls will aid in...
Grays Arch Trail Guide
Grays Arch Trail GuideHave you hiked on the Grays Arch Trail at Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky yet? Grays Arch Trail is quite an amazing hike and might be our favorite trail so far when we visited Red River Gorge back in the summer. Not only do you get to see an...
Sam A Baker Fire Tower and Mudslick Trail Video
Sam A Baker Fire Tower and Mudslick Trail VideoIn this video, we visit Missouri’s Sam A Baker State Park. We hike the Fire Tower Trail, then take the Mudslick Trail to complete the loop.What You’ll See in this Video This is what you can expect to see in this video: An...
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...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Auxier Ridge to Courthouse Rock Trail Guide
Auxier Ridge to Courthouse Rock Trail GuideHave you ever hiked the Auxier Ridge to Courthouse Rock Trail at Red River Gorge in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Eastern Kentucky? In this guide, I’ll show you everything you need to know about hiking this trail, from...
Grays Arch Trail Guide
Grays Arch Trail GuideHave you hiked on the Grays Arch Trail at Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky yet? Grays Arch Trail is quite an amazing hike and might be our favorite trail so far when we visited Red River Gorge back in the summer. Not only do you get to see an...
Sam A Baker Fire Tower and Mudslick Trail Video
Sam A Baker Fire Tower and Mudslick Trail VideoIn this video, we visit Missouri’s Sam A Baker State Park. We hike the Fire Tower Trail, then take the Mudslick Trail to complete the loop.What You’ll See in this Video This is what you can expect to see in this video: An...
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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