Southern Illinois Guided Hiking Services
Hiking with Shawn provides Shawnee National Forest and Southern Illinois guided hiking services to private individuals and parties for an affordable fee. If you would like to learn more about these services, please continue to browse this page.
Guided Hiking
Hiking with Shawn provides paid guided hiking services to individuals and groups. All guiding is for day hikes only and must be on designated trails within the Shawnee National Forest and Southern Illinois state parks. These services are only available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Guided Cycling
Hiking with Shawn provides paid guided cycling services to individuals and groups. All guiding is for day rides only and must be on designated bike trails within the Shawnee National Forest and Southern Illinois state parks. These services are only available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Meet Your Guide
Howdy, folks! My name is Shawn Gossman, and I’m known as Hiking with Shawn. I’ve been hiking the Shawnee National Forest and Southern Illinois state parks for over 10 years. I’ve been almost everywhere there is to hike in Southern Illinois. I love hiking and I love showing people our wonderful trails. Guided hiking is a way for me to share my love for the trails with others. I’m all about the experience. I’m also a first responder and good at survival skills. You’re good in my hands!
How to Book a Guided Service
Coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Illinois Guided Hiking
How much are guided hiking and biking services?
Guided hiking is $65 per person (1-2 people) or $45 per person (3 or more) for day hikes up to 10 miles.
Guided biking is $65 per person (1-2 people) or $45 per person (3 or more people) for day rides up to 20 miles.
How much are addon services and what are they?
Photography Addon ($10 flat free): Guide will take photos (internet resolution only, using smart phone) of your hiking experience and send them to you by email.
Video Addon ($20 flat fee): Guide will video your experience, edit it, and send you the link by email.
Itineraries Addon ($50 to $100): Please see our Itinerary Page for more information on this service.
Gear Rental Addon: While supplies are available, you can rent a backpack for $25 and trekking poles for $15.
Can I bring my kids on a guided hike?
Yes – Kids are welcome on guided hikes as long as you sign a waiver for them (required by insurance). We DO NOT provide babysitting services for children. You are responsible to watch and control the behavior of your children. If the guide feels this is not occurring, the hike will be canceled, and you will receive a partial refund. Uncooperative behavior by both minors and adults puts everyone at risk and this will not be tolerated. Aside from that, children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. It is NOT recommended to bring very young children on hikes.
Can I bring my pet with me on a guided service?
No. Pets are not allowed on guided hiking and biking trips.
Are there any special requirements for guided services?
Yes. Please see the following:
- All customers MUST sign a waiver and provide emergency contact information.
- Guided hiking is on designated trails only.
- Guided biking is on designated bike trails only.
- We only provide day-time services. No overnight or nigh-time services are provided.
- We do not provide shuttling or equipment transport.
- We do not provide hiking or biking equipment, clothing, or footwear.
- Customers need to be in healthy shape in order to hike on more rugged trail conditions.
- We do not accept rain checks. Payments must be made before or on the day of the hike or the hike will be terminated.
- You may not handle, harass, harm, heard, or collect any type of wildlife of any kind.
- You must schedule services ahead of time, not on the day.
Can I tip my guide?
You may tip your guide if you want to but it’s not required. However, we keep our guide service prices down to be affordable. In most cases, we break even with the permit, insurance, and fuel costs without any tips. Tips are very welcome but never obligated.
Emergency information
In the event that you become injured, we will notify your emergency content as well as emergency service providers if required.
Our guide services are insured, and we have guide permits with federal and state public land management partners.
Our guides are trained in basic first aid, CPR, and emergency response.
Safety will always be put first before anything else.
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Hiking with Shawn® is a Registered Trademark of Hiking with Shawn, LLC
Hiking with Shawn is not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency.