Day Hiking

Day Hiking Areas

• Hidden Springs Ranger District

  East side of the Shawnee National Forest

• Bay Creek Lake
• Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
• Camp Cadiz Campground
• Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
• Jackson Falls
• Lake Glendale Recreation Area
• One Horse Gap Lake
• Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
• Simpson Barrens Natural Area
• Trigg Observation Tower
• Historical Sites & Topics

  This region has been occupied for centuries and evidence of its past people and their culture can still be found hidden in the shawnee hills today.

  For a list of Historical Sites expand Outdoor Learning section at the bottom of this page.

   

  Preserving and Protecting Historical Sites 

  Archaeological sites throughout southern Illinois can provide important insights and knowledge about the past that can not be gotten elsewhere. The aritfacts contained in the sties can help us learn about little known aspects of our history, cultures and people not as well represented in current hisroty books. They are the clues left behind byt he past inhabitants that can help archaeologists determine who was living at the site, when they were living there and what they were doing.  It's important that archaeologists find artifacts in their original location to accurately interpret the story of the past. When people remove artifacts from sites it destroys the ability for archaeologists to reconstruct the histories and lifeways of the people who once occupied the site.

  Help us preserve our rich history by leaving archaeological sites undisturbed and report any looters or evidence of looting activities to your nearest Ranger Station.

• Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area
• Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District

  West side of the Shawnee National Forest

• Cedar Lake
• Johnson Creek Recreation Area
• Kinkaid Lake & Trail System
• LaRue-Pine Hills-Otter Pond Research Natural Area
• Lincoln Memorial
• Little Grand Canyon Trail
• Oakwood Bottoms
• Pine Hills Campground
• Pomona Natural Bridge Trail
• River to River Trail
• Wilderness Areas

  The seven wilderness areas offer primitive backcountry recreation in non-motorized areas of the forest. Totaling about 10% of the forest, or 30,000 acres, the wildernesses contain some of the most beautiful but rugged and remote areas of the forest. No permits are required to enter or camp in designated wilderness, but there are special restriction for these areas (see below).

  Obtaining detailed trail maps is highly recommended before entering wilderness as well as proper planning and precautions before and during your visit. The information and links on this page will help make your wilderness visit a safe and fun experience.

  Wilderness Area Vicinity Map

  • Bald Knob Wilderness
  • Bay Creek Wilderness
  • Burden Falls Wilderness
  • Clear Springs Wilderness
  • Garden of the Gods Wilderness
  • Lusk Creek Wilderness
  • Panther Den Wilderness

  Wilderness Information

  • Leave No Trace
  • Know Before You Go
  • List of Outfitter and Guides
  • Forest Rules and Regulations
  • Wilderness.net
• Bald Knob Wilderness
• Burden Fall Wilderness
• Panther Den Wilderness