Alerts & Notices

We may occasionally close roads or parts of the forest for the safety of people or to protect natural resources. For more details, see alerts and closures below.

Call 911 if you have an emergency while in Shawnee National Forest. See our Forest Emergency & Safety Brochure for more information.

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Let someone know your travel plans.
• Be aware of hunting seasons.
• Be aware of changing weather conditions.
• Carry plenty of water or boil/treat water before drinking.
• Use protective spray or ointments and wash skin and clothing to protect yourself from bugs and poison ivy.
• Venomous snakes occur in southern Illinois. Be cautious, watch where you step or place your hands.
• Bug repellent is recommended.
• Cell phone reception may be weak or non-existent in many parts of the Shawnee National Forest.
• Use a map and compass or GPS device.
• Practice the Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics. Learn more lnt.org.

In wilder, more remote areas of the forest, search and rescue efforts often are slower than in urban places. Stay safe and use extra caution in our seven designated wildernesses.

It is your responsibility as a visitor to follow our rules and regulations. 

Rivers, Streams and Roads

Large rains may cause rivers and streams to rise quickly and stay elevated for days after a rainstorm. Some roads and trails become flooded quickly. To stay safe, be aware of weather conditions.

We use prescribed fire as a tool to restore Southern Illinois forests. Prescribed fire is a planned fire that is overseen by professionals. To learn more about places where we are using or plan to use fire, check out our prescribed fire page. To report a wildfire, call 911 or Shawnee dispatch at 1-866-684-2051.

Alerts

• Oakwood Bottoms Boardwalk Trail-Closed

  Date(s): Feb 11, 2019

  Contact(s): 618-833-8576

  Fallen trees have damaged the boardwalk. As of February 8, 2019, it is closed until repairs are complete.

• Lake Kinkaid Draw Down

  Date(s): Nov 9, 2018 - Mar 31, 2019

  Draw down of Kinkaid Lake began November 1, 2018 for the winter months in order to help control aquatic plant growth around the shoreline.

  Boaters be aware that water levels will possibly drop 3 to 3.5 feet below normal pool, depending on the weather. 

  Signs warning boaters have been placed at Paul Ice boat launch and Johnson Creek recreation area boat launch. Stop logs in the dam are scheduled to be put back in place March 1st.

• Current Road Closings

  Date(s): Nov 16, 2018

  A portion of Pine Hills Rd. (Forest Service Rd. #236) is closed and gated until road repairs are made. From north the road is open up to Godwin Trailhead (west trailhead). From the south, Pine Hills Rd. is open as far as Upper McGee Hill where there's a parking area to turn around. Visitors can still access Pine Hills Campground on the south end.

  Opossum Trot road (Forest Road #628) has sustained damages and the road continues to be closed.

  FSR 787 Happy Hollow Road is closed past the private houses until further notice.  Recent storms created a landslide. Foot traffic is welcome as long as the public can park safely out of the lane of traffic.

  FSR 1453 Stoneface Road is closed until further notice.  Foot traffic is welcome as long as the public can park safely out of the lane of traffic.

Closures

• Forest Orders -Rules & Regulations

  Date(s): Jun 16, 2016

  Rules and Regulations

  It is the responsibility of the visitor to be knowledgable about the the rules and regulations of the Shawnee National Forest and the activity they are participating in. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailhead bulletin boards are some locations where rules and regulations are posted. 

  The Forest Supervisor has the authority to determine and set more specific regulations, These are known as "Forest Orders".

  Please contact a Shawnee National Forest office if you have questions about what is allowed on national forest land.