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Recreation

Trails webpages and information will not be available until May 2025. Thank you for your patience while we work through getting the most updated, accurate information for you during this time.

Showing: 11 - 20 of 35 results

Garden of the Gods Wilderness

Site Open
Hiking
Garden Of The Gods Wilderness is located in Saline, Pope, and Hardin Counties. The wilderness features an outstanding scenic views along with very unusual rock formations. Trails for hiking and…

High Knob Lookout

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Scenic Drives Outdoor Science and Learning
Once the site of a fire lookout tower, high knob was staffed by the Camp Cadiz Civilian Conservation Corpsmen (CCC) during the early days of the Shawnee National Forest.  The old tower's concrete…

Illinois Iron Furnace Historic Site

Site Open
Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
The Illinois Iron Furnace is the only remaining iron furnace structure in the state of Illinois. Iron was manufactured at the Illinois Furnace by the charcoal blast method. The furnace was built on a…

Jackson Falls

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
The bluffs and rock faces found at Jackson Falls offer excellent technical climbing surrounded by a beautifully scenic area of the Shawnee National Forest. Considered part of the general forest area…

Johnson Creek Recreation Area

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Horse Riding and Camping Picnicking Water Activities Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Located on a northwest finger of beautiful Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of outdoor activities. Here you will find something for everyone in the family, from camping…

Lake Glendale Recreation Area

Site Open
Biking Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Picnicking
If you are looking for a place in the center of the Shawnee National Forest, then Lake Glendale Recreation Area is for you. Its central location makes it easy to visit main attractions on either side…

Lake of Egypt

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Winter Sports
The southeast side of the Lake of Egypt is surrounded by Shawnee National Forest and open to primitive camping in the general forest area. Hickory Ridge Boat Launch is a gravel launch situated on…

Lake Tecumseh

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
This is a very shallow lake (approximately 4 feet or less). It was constructed for flood control purposes. Water levels fluctuate widely and sport fish population are marginal. 

LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond RNA is one of the most unique areas in the world. As with many places in the Shawnee National Forest, the beauty we see today is rooted in geologic history.  LaRue-Pine…

Lincoln Memorial

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Biking
The Lincoln Memorial is the site of the third in a series of seven Lincoln-Douglas debates.  Currently the picnic area offers three walking loops ranging from .24 - .41 miles.  Walking paths are…