Shawnee National Forest

Find your Trail

In the southern tip of Illinois lies the rolling Shawnee Hills where 289,000 acres await you to relax, unwind and explore.

Recreation Guide

Welcome to Shawnee National Forest

Spanning 289,000 acres, Shawnee National Forest is nestled in Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. It features strikingly beautiful oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, lush canyons, razorback ridges and unique geological features.

A rare convergence of six natural ecological regions results in a diversity of plant and animal species. With nearly 1 million people visiting annually, the forest serves as a retreat to Americans living in urban areas; more than 30 U.S. cities are within a six hour drive

 

Come Play

Commonly Asked Questions

Features

Sharp Rock Oak Habitat Project

redheaded woodpecker sitting on a branch

Check out this StoryMap - A brief and informative way to learn about the Sharp Rock Oak Habitat ecological restoration project, its goals, and proposed actions.

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Job Opportunities

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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.

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