Jackson Falls

Area Status: Open

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 the Jackson Falls has a vault toilet. Camping is free, but limited to a maximum of 14-days continuous stay.

From the trailhead a short trail leads to the top of Jackson Falls. High bluffs are in the area, visitors should be cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Jackson Falls brochure/map

At a Glance

Area Amenities:	Tent camping, Toilets, Parking
Open Season:	Year-Around
Restrictions:	Stay on the designated trails. Pack It In, Pack It Out rules apply to the entire trail system. Camping is free throughout the year up to 14-days continuous stay. No permanent structures may be built. Camp and wash at least 150 feet from any water source. Burn dead and down trees only, making sure campfires are completely out. Do not build campfires on top of the bluffs. Confine rock climbing activities to existing climbing routes to avoid resource damage.
Closest Towns:	Carrier Mills, IL
Information Center:	Hidden Springs Ranger District (618) 658-2111

General Information

Parking:

Glen Street Falls Road leading to Jackson Falls Trailhead is a narrow gravel road and best suited for high-clearance vehicles. Past the trailhead the road becomes dirt and eventually dead ends.
Parking is allowed on the side of the road, but do not block traffic or damage vegetation.

Directions:

From Harrisburg: Take Highway 145 south, 11 miles to Burden Falls Road. Turn west onto Burden Falls Road, go 5 miles and at the ‘T’ turn right and continue 3.7 miles to Glen Street Falls Road. Turn left (south) onto Glen Street Falls Road. Go 2 miles to the Jackson Falls Trailhead.

From Vienna: Take Highway 45 north 12 miles to Ozark Road. Turn east onto Ozark Road and continue 4.5 miles to Glen Street Falls Road. Turn right (south) onto Glen Street Falls Road. Go 2 miles to the Jackson Falls Trailhead.