Shawnee National Forest
Find your next adventure
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 openlands, lush canyons, sheer bluffs and unique geological features.
Come Play
Commonly Asked Questions
Features
Jackson Falls Visitor Use Management Plan
Calling all visitors, neighbors, and supporters of Jackson Falls! 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. The VUMP will help guide future investments over time to ensure that Jackson Falls remains a safe and sustainable recreation destination.
Forestry for the Birds
Learn how forestry restoration on the Shawnee is restoring and improving habitat for many warbler species of birds, including the cerulean warbler which is listed as ‘threatened’ in Illinois (see p.10)
Spotlights
Job Opportunities
Postings of current job openings and upcoming job announcements. Learn about the variety of jobs with the Forest Service and how to start your career with us.
Current Projects
Find information about ongoing land managment projects happening on the Shawnee National Forest, and view an archive of past projects.
Enjoying the Bounty of the Forest
Forest resources are abundant, but some items take special care. Permit and collection information are available for firewood, wild foods, and other forest plants.
Alerts & Warnings
- Rim Rock entrance road closed due to hazardous road conditions
- Garden of the Gods Road closed due to hazardous conditions
- Wilderness Seasonal Closure for Horse/Stock Animals
- Unpaved Forest Roads
- Foot Bridge Closed -Johnson Creek
- Trail Segment Closed-Lincoln Memorial
- Narrow Bridge near IL Iron Furnace