Hiking with Shawn
Welcome to Hiking with Shawn, your premiere source for trail guides, services, hiking tips, and resources for adventuring in the Shawnee National Forest and State Parks in Southern Illinois.
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Latest Blog Posts from Hiking with Shawn
Check out the latest blog posts from Hiking with Shawn. Be sure to head over to my main blog for access to all my posts.
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...
How to Choose a Good Backpack for Backpacking
How to Choose a Good Backpack for BackpackingYou can’t just take any backpack for backpacking. It’s essential to choose the right backpack for your backpacking needs. A daypack wasn’t made for multi-day backpacking. You need a specific backpack made for backpacking,...
10 of My Favorite Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2025
10 of My Favorite Waterfalls in Southern Illinois for 2025Everyone is always asking me about my favorite waterfalls in Southern Illinois! I figured it’s time to list them, at the very least, in a top 10. I chose a top 10 because they’re all my favorites, but that’s...
Latest Local Hiking Trail Guides
Check out the hiking, cycling, and kayaking Trail Guides by Hiking with Shawn. Visit my Main Trail Guides page to see all the guides.
Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guide
Hughes Mountain Natural Area GuideHave you been to Hughes Mountain Natural Area in Irondale, Missouri, yet? This natural area is probably one of my favorite hiking trails in the state of Missouri. It’s managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and features...
Big Rocky Hollow Trail Guide
Big Rocky Hollow Trail GuideThe Big Rocky Hollow Trail is also considered the “main waterfall” trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park near Goreville, Illinois. This is an easy trail located within the state park that features multiple waterfalls, bluffs, additional hiking...
Honker Lake Loop Trail Guide
Honker Lake Loop Trail GuideHonker Lake Loop Trail is a 5-mile loop hiking trail located within the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. This loop hiking trail is available on the All Trails app. (Affiliate Link) This easy-to-moderately...
Latest Gear Reviews by Hiking with Shawn
Check out the latest hiking, cycling, and kayaking gear reviews by Hiking with Shawn. Visit my Main Gear Reviews page to see all my reviews.
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...
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