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.
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...
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...
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.
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...
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for Backpacking
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for BackpackingThe Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a well-known water filter used in the hiking and backpacking community. Aside from its widespread recognition, the filter has been in use and extensively tested for many years within the...
GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?
GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?Are you wondering if the GoPro Hero 12 would make a good camera for hiking vlogs? The quick answer is yes and no. It really depends on what you’re wanting to get out of your videos. The long answer is in this...
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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