Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Interstate Trail The Interstate Trail is a 1.6 mile trail that is very easy to hike. This is a horseback trail but is also open to hikers as well. There are some features to see on this trail including bluffs, a former school...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Schwegman Ecological Area & Groundhog Den Schwegman Ecological Area and Groundhog Den are unique gems in the Shawnee National Forest. I’ve talked to the fella who used to live in these areas before the land was sold to the...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Trigg Observation Tower Trigg Observation Tower is a former fire watch observation tower located in the Shawnee National Forest near Simpson, Illinois. Trigg Observation Tower was originally about 100 foot in height but half of...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Millstone Bluff Millstone Bluff is a day-use recreational site within the Shawnee National Forest located near Simpson in southern Illinois. This site is fairly easy to navigate and hike and is appropriate for younger users and...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Piney Creek Ravine Piney Creek Ravine, while well known, is a sort of hidden gem in southern Illinois. It is located on the west side of the state near Ava, Illinois and provides a wonderful hiking opportunity as well as an...
Hiking with Shawn’s Trail Guide Series: Bell Smith Springs Bell Smith Springs is truly a magical place of the Shawnee National Forest. It is home to a popular diving and swimming hole, the largest arch in southern Illinois, iconic rock formations that are...
