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Explore the Shawnee Hills!


289,000 acres of adventure lays nestled in southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers .

Recreation Guide

Welcome to Shawnee National Forest

Nestled in southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, the Shawnee National Forest spans 289,000 acres featuring oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, grassy open lands, lush canyons, sheer bluffs and unique geological features.

Forest Safety & Outdoor Ethics

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Recreation Opportunities

Bicycling at Lake Glendale
Opportunities for bicycling in southern Illinois is growing. Bicyclists who wish to venture off paved routes and enjoy wooded paths will love the…
Three people riding horses down a trail on an autumn day.
In most areas of the Shawnee National Forest stock use is generally allowed with the following exceptions. Inside Lusk Creek, Upper Bay Creek, Big…
A yellow warbler eating a worm
The Shawnee NF has many unique resources; both natural and cultural. On these pages, we've compiled information on some of these resources to…
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Spotlights

Jackson Falls Visitor Use Management Plan

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The Shawnee National Forest is developing a Visitor Use Management Plan (VUMP) for the Jackson Falls area, and you are invited to be a part of the process. 

Current Projects

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Find information about ongoing land management projects happening on the Shawnee National Forest and view an archive of past projects. 

Enjoying the Bounty of the Forest

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Forest resources are abundant, but some items take special care. Permit and collection information are available for firewood, wild foods, and other forest plants.

Recent Press Releases

Features