First Time in the Shawnee National Forest? Start with These Hiking Trails!

It’s your first time in the Shawnee National Forest, and there are so many hiking trail options that you don’t know where to start.

You don’t want to miss the best hikes. You don’t want to go to the boring spots. And what about all the fun stuff in between?

Trying to decide where to go hiking in the Shawnee National Forest during your first visit sounds horrific.

Luckily for you, I’ve hiked the Shawnee National Forest for nearly two decades. I’ve seen the best of the forest and the worst of the forest. I know exactly where to send you, so you’ll have the best time of your life and see everything we have to offer.

If this is your first time in the Shawnee National Forest and you want to know where to go, then keep reading this guide, and I’ll show you.

First Time in the Shawnee National Forest? Safety First!

Please don’t skip this part if it’s your first time in the Shawnee National Forest.

Your safety on the hiking trail is critical!

The majority of major injuries and fatalities in the Shawnee National Forest are from hikers falling off cliffs, bluffs, and the tops of waterfalls. If you take anything from my advice, I beg you to at least take this: Use common sense and watch your step.

Leave the Shawnee National Forest with great memories, not bad injuries.

Prepare for our specific safety hazards:

• Venomous snakes – watch your step and don’t get close to them.
• Biting bugs and ticks – Wear bug spray and use permethrin on your clothing, footwear, and gear.
• Hot and humid weather – Bring more water than you’ll need and pack a good filling snack.
• Blisters and cuts – bring a simple first aid kit.
• Getting lost – Bring a map, compass, and download an app for offline use because cell phone signal is quite limited.
• Bad weather – Keep an eye on the local weather and pack accordingly for it.
• Horseback riders – yield to horseback riders as long as it is safe for you to do so.

Always tell someone where you’re going before you go and what time you plan to be back. If you don’t make it, they can share critical information with search and rescue personnel.

Try not to hike alone. I sell private guided hiking services on the weekends for a very affordable price. Hire me, and you won’t have to hike alone.

Remember – safety before selfies when you’re near areas you could fall.

And always Leave No Trace and pack out what you pack in and help us keep our Shawnee National Forest clean for all users.

Where to Hike When it’s Your First Time in the Shawnee National Forest

Here are 10 hiking trails you must visit when it’s your first time in the Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois.

1 – Garden of the Gods Observation Trail

Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is the most visited trail in the Shawnee National Forest. That’s because it has all the coolest rock formations, scenic overlooks, and views. You have to do this trail at least once.

This loop trail is easy and less than half a mile in length. There is very little elevation. Most of the trail is ADA-friendly.

For more information and directions, see my guide for Garden of the Gods Observation Trail.

Be sure to check out Garden of the Gods Outpost nearby for Shawnee Forest merchandise, Sasquatch swag, and the best soft serve ice cream you’ll ever eat.

2 – Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail is close to Garden of the Gods and can easily be added to the same day for hiking both trails. There is a lot to see, including history from Native Americans and European Settlers. You can even hike to Pounds Hollow Beach and swim for free.

This trail consists of loops and out-and-back hikes. There are some hills and creek crossings, which makes it a moderate hike.

For more information and directions, see my Rim Rock National Recreation Trail guide.

Head over to Cave-in-Rock State Park for more sightseeing and eat at the Kaylor’s Lodge at the park for really good food.

3 – Old Stoneface Trail

Old Stoneface features a rock formation that looks like a face. Is the face a man or a woman? Visit this trail and decide what we see, and be sure to hike a little past Stoneface to see the amazing power line cut-out scenic overlook.

This out-and-back trail (go left at the sign) is a few miles in length. It is moderate with rocky terrain and some hills.

For more information and directions, see my Old Stoneface guide.

Go eat at the famous Red Onion Steakhouse in Equality for some of the best food around the area.

4 – Indian Kitchen Trail

Indian Kitchen is a fun out-and-back trail with a lot to see. It’s a nice walk in the woods with a reward at the end. There is a part of the Lusk Creek at the end that people love to swim in, especially on a hot day.

The Indian Kitchen Trail is a moderate trail with hills, creek crossings, and technical sections. This trail is a few miles out and a few miles back, so leave early.

For directions and more information, check out my Indian Kitchen Trail guide.

After hiking Indian Kitchen, I strongly suggest driving to Golconda and looking around the historical town and then eating at Diver Down for some awesome food.

5 – Bell Smith Springs Trail System

Bell Smith Springs deserves your attention for a full day’s worth of exploring and hiking. The area features relics from the CCC, the largest natural arch in the state, and so many different rock formations. Many people like to go to this area in the summer to swim because of all the swimming holes.

There are many trails in this recreation area. I suggest hiking at least the Red, White, and Yellow Trails. All are a few miles long each and moderately difficult.

For more information and directions, check out my Ultimate Guide for Bell Smith Springs.

After a full day of enjoying Bell Smith Springs, you’re going to be hungry. I recommend dining at Shotgun Eddy’s in Eddyville, Illinois, for really good food.

6 – Jackson Falls Trail

Jackson Falls is a great place to hike, camp, ride horses, and even rock climb. In fact, it’s world-famous for rock climbing. For hiking, you can see multiple waterfalls, tons of rock formations, and so much more.

This trail is mainly an out-and-back. It’s rugged, and waterfalls depend heavily on rainfall. I’d visit it if it’s wet or dry.

For more information and directions, see my Jackson Falls guide.

Take a drive into Harrisburg, Illinois (Gateway to the Shawnee National Forest) and eat at Mackie’s Pizza for some of the best pizza around.

7 – Burden Falls Trail

Burden Falls Trail features the tallest waterfall in the Shawnee National Forest. After a few days of really good rain, you can enjoy multiple waterfalls on top or carefully make your way down to see the huge waterfall. You can even see waterfalls staying in your car in the parking lot or walking 20 steps from it.

The top waterfalls are a few steps from where you park and could easily be seen by those with mobility issues. The bottom fall can be accessed by a steep and rugged 1-mile out-and-back trail.

For more information and directions, check out my Burden Falls Wilderness guide.

After exploring Burden Falls, head into Vienna, Illinois, and stop at Ned’s Shed for a local favorite in dining.

8 – Little Grand Canyon Trail

You ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon in a day? Well, you can see the Little Grand Canyon in a day instead. You’ll see amazing rock formations, scenic overlooks, and huge bluffs.

Little Grand Canyon is rugged. There are some hard rolling hills and technical terrain in this hike. You have to hike up and down a waterfall cascade, which can be very slick when it’s wet or during the winter.

For more information and directions, check out my Little Grand Canyon guide.

After you hike Little Grand Canyon, be sure to check out Mase’s Place down the road for really good food.

9 – LaRue Pine Hills Snake Road

LaRue Pine Hills Snake Road closes to vehicle traffic in the spring and fall. Foot traffic is always welcome. It’s the only road in the world that closes so snakes can safely migrate across, and you get a chance to see the migration firsthand.

The gravel road is 2.5 miles gate to gate and easy to hike with very few hills. Please stay on the road and avoid using user-made trails to help preserve the area’s sensitive environment.

For more information and directions, be sure to check out my Ultimate Snake Road guide.

After walking Snake Road, head into Murphysboro, Illinois to eat great pizza at Martel’s, award-winning BBQ at 17th Street, and amazing ice cream at Small Town Scoop.

10 – Pomona Natural Bridge Trail

Pomona Natural Bridge is an easy-to-hike natural bridge in the Shawnee National Forest. You can hike on top of the bridge and under the bridge. On really wet days (use caution, please), you’ll enjoy a waterfall next to the natural bridge.

This trail is fairly easy but can be considered moderate due to some hilly parts and rocky terrain. It is less than a mile of hiking altogether.

For more information and directions, visit my Pomona Natural Bridge guide.

After hiking Pomona Natural Bridge, visit our many wineries along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail and stop by a few orchards too, like Flamm’s and Rendleman’s, for peaches, apples, and more.

Get an Itinerary Plan for Your First Time in the Shawnee National Forest

If this detailed article isn’t enough for your first time in the Shawnee National Forest, then you might need extra help.

I provide full itinerary planning services for a low cost for those visiting the Shawnee National Forest.

I’ll show you where to hike, where to stay, where to dine, where to shop, and for multiple days.

I charge a flat rate that is very reasonable.

Hiking with Shawn’s Final Thoughts

When visiting the awesome hiking trails above for your first time in the Shawnee National Forest, remember to shop local.

Our local restaurants, stores, lodging, and businesses help make the Shawnee National Forest better for everyone. They need your business. Best of all, they’re often the same price or even cheaper than the chain stores, and you’ll have a way better experience.

If you enjoyed reading this free guide, consider supporting me with a small one-time tip or by becoming a monthly supporter for just $3 to get more from me.

Be sure to subscribe to my free monthly newsletter for more hiking tips, gear reviews, and upcoming local events in the region.

I’d also love to invite you to join The Hiking Forum, a free online community for hikers all over the world.

And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail.