Clear Springs Wilderness

Located on the west side of the Shawnee National Forest, Clear Springs Wilderness is one of the largest designated wildernesses in Illinois.  With elevations ranging from 400 feet to over 900 feet, the Wilderness is generally regarded as having rough and steep terrain, with narrow ridgetops, steep slopes and scenic creeks along the valleys. Trails for hiking and equestrians lead through areas where visitors can see evidence of old homesteads before it was part of the Shawnee National Forest, such as old stone foundations from homes, fruit trees, abandoned roads, and old family cemeteries.

Clear Springs Wildernsess lies adjacent to Bald Knob Wilderness to the south and LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural  Area to the west and pristine waters of Hutchins Creek running through it.