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.
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...
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 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.
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...
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...
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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