Shawnee National Forest

Come explore historical sites, which range from the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail to the Underground Railroad and the Millstone Bluff Archeological Site, on this Forest.


Park Photo

Photo credit: USDA Forest Service

Welcome to the Shawnee National Forest! Spanning 289,000 acres, the Shawnee National Forest is found in Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. The Forest features beautiful oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, lush canyons, razorback ridges, and unique geological features. With a convergence of six natural ecological regions, the Forest offers a diverse list of plants and animal species for nature viewing. Scenic drives include the Ohio River National Scenic Byway and the Great River Road, and visitors can explore seven Wilderness Areas on the Forest. Historical sites range from the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail to the Underground Railroad and the Millstone Bluff Archeological Site. Visitors can picnic, camp, hike, and explore nature along the Observation Trail and view one of Illinois’ most photographed places: Camel Rock at the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Shawnee National Forest is ideal for all types of outdoor recreation. From fishing and hiking to hunting and swimming visitors have countless activities to choose from.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee

Wilderness Areas/Wild & Scenic Rivers

Bald Knob Wilderness - The rugged and remote Bald Knob Wilderness is adjacent to the beautiful Bald Knob Cross landmark and offers the Bald Know trail loop and Godwin Trail which connect to Clear Springs Wilderness.

Bay Creek Wilderness - Bay Creek Wilderness is located adjacent to Burden Falls Wilderness and contains the Bay Creek Wild and Scenic River Study Corridor.

Burden Falls Wilderness - The Burden Fall Wilderness is located adjacent to Bay Creek Wilderness and it is comprised of a central hardwood ecosystem with some pine plantations.

Clear Springs Wilderness - Clear Springs Wilderness is regarded as rough terrain, with narrow ridgetops, steep slopes and narrow creek bottoms.

Garden of the Gods Wilderness - Garden of the Gods Wilderness features outstanding scenic views along with very unusual rock formations.

Lusk Creek Wilderness - Lusk Creek Wilderness features an outstanding scenic view called Indian Kitchen (Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve).

Panther Den Wilderness - The primary trail system on Panther Den Wilderness is the River to River Trail, and the trail is well marks with several loops.

Invasive Species

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