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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…
Trails running through a large cliff face.
Rock climbing and rappelling on the Shawnee National Forest is permitted at Jackson Falls on the Hidden Springs Ranger District. There are other…
A person walking up a set of stairs placed in the middle of the rocks.
There are many miles of diverse hiking and backpacking trails in the Shawnee National Forest including the 160-mile River to River Trail. Take extra…
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…
Mallards at Oakwood
Hunting and fishing opportunities are abundant on the Shawnee National Forest. The Shawnee National Forest, USDA Forest Service is the largest public…
Photo of a Bicycle
Presently, there are no ATV/OHM riding opportunities on the Shawnee National Forest. The Forest Service has restrictions prohibiting motorized…
A yellow warbler eating a worm
Southern Illinois is in a very unique geographic location where four different Natural Divisions meet: The Missouri Ozark Hills, the Mississippi…
Lincoln Memorial Picnic Shelter
Picnic areas are located adjacent to most campgrounds in the Shawnee National Forest. They are a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. All…
A sign for the Ohio River Scenic Byway. A part of America's Byway.
LaRue Pine Hills road is located near Anna/Jonesboro area and is about 35 miles round trip from Jonesboro. The drive consists of a mixture of state,…
A point of view shot of a Kayak gliding along a mirror finished lake in fall.
The streams and lakes of Shawnee National Forest offer places to paddle, swim, and troll along. Ramps and beaches are available to help get visitors…