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.
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...
Echo Bluff State Park Video Guide
Echo Bluff State Park Video GuideIn this video, we revisit Echo Bluff State Park near Eminence, Missouri. This is one of our favorite places to visit when we go to Ozark National Scenic Riverways, usually every year. We always feel welcome at Echo Bluff State...
White Oaks Trail Guide
White Oaks Trail GuideWhite Oaks Trail, located at Hawn State Park near New Offenburg in Missouri, is a great trail where you should go hiking. This is a lollipop loop trail that is moderately difficult with some creek crossings and rolling hills. The trail is 4.2...
Klepzig Mill Video Guide
Klepzig Mill Video GuideIn this video, we head to Klepzig Mill for the first time. It was beautiful to say the least. Klepzig Mill is located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. Next time we visit, we’ll hike more on the trail there.What You’ll See in...
10 Local Southern Illinois Gift Shops to Get Holiday Gifts from This Year
10 Local Southern Illinois Gift Shops to Get Holiday Gifts from This YearYou should buy from local Southern Illinois gift shops this holiday season. Shopping local will help the community and give you a better experience. While there is way more than 10 to list, there...
Alley Spring and Mill Video Guide
Alley Spring and Mill Video GuideIn this video, we hike to Alley Spring and Mill in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. This hike was done during the Government Shutdown, and while park staff were not present, the public was allowed to visit.What You’ll...
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Sports Watch for Outdoor Adventures
Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Sports Watch for Outdoor AdventuresI’ve been using the Garmin Instinct 3 Solar Tactical Sports Watch for most of the year and, so far, it has been the ultimate outdoor watch. I’m using this watch as my everyday watch, but mainly for...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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....
Bluffage Hunting at Wolfden Hollow Video
Bluffage Hunting at Wolfden Hollow VideoIn this video, we return to Wolfden Hollow in the Shawnee National Forest at Cedar Lake to look for bluffage. It rains on us the entire time and it’s cold, but we still find a lot of cool sights to share.What You’ll See in this...
Hidden Arch and Silvermine Arch Trail Guide
Hidden Arch and Silvermine Arch Trail GuideHidden Arch and Silvermine Arch Trail are located at Red River Gorge in Eastern Kentucky. The Hidden Arch Trail is a 2-mile loop with around 250 feet of elevation gain. The Silvermine Arch Trail is about 3 miles out-and-back...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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...
SurviveX First Aid Kit Review for Hikers
SurviveX First Aid Kit Review for HikersHave you heard of the SurviveX first aid kit for hikers? It is always advisable to carry a first aid kit on your hikes. You never know when a mishap will occur on the hiking trail. Having the right emergency supplies will enable...
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for Backpacking
MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove Review for BackpackingHave you ever heard of the MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Stove? When backpacking, choosing the right stove is important. If you choose one that doesn’t work well, that might stop you from eating your meal. Not getting a...
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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