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.
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...
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...
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.
Ultimate Review: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote (Men’s Hiking Shoe)
Ultimate Review: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote (Men’s Hiking Shoe)I’m reviewing the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote hiking shoe for those who may be looking for a new hiking or trail running shoe. Although it’s advertised as a hiking shoe, I also use it for trail running....
Men’s Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots Review
Men's Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots ReviewThis is my review of the Men's Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots! These versatile shoes, marketed as low hiking boots but more akin to hiking shoes, have been my trusted companions for a few months now. I'm...
Impetro Gear Backpack: A Comprehensive Review
Impetro Gear Backpack: A Comprehensive ReviewThis is a review of the Impetro Gear Backpack. Just for full transparency, I use affiliate links in this review. That means I earn a commission for every sale made, but it doesn't impact your price. You can search for the...
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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