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 Hikes to See Scenic Overlooks in Southern Illinois
10 Hikes to See Scenic Overlooks in Southern IllinoisAre you searching for scenic overlooks in Southern Illinois? Well, look no further. I’ve been all over Southern Illinois again and again searching for the best scenic overlooks. I’m always looking at topo maps and...
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...
Bushwhacking Across the Creek from Owl Bluff Video
Bushwhacking Across the Creek from Owl Bluff VideoIn this video, we travel to an area across Lusk Creek from the bottom of the Owl Bluff to bushwhack. We do this to find an old trail, squeeze rocks, bluffage, and more.What You’ll See in this Video This is what you can...
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...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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...
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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