View Full Version : Shawnee
mkmangold
03-19-2008, 01:47
Any suggestions on camping/hiking in the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois? This is my impression from the last time I was there: utterly beautiful and out-of-sync with the image of Illinois as the prairie state. When we entered the park, I lost a glove. Not only did I have the indignation of trying to camp with one cold hand, but when we returned a week later to the trail head, I discovered that a racoon had evacuated his bowels on top of the rediscovered glove!
Shawnee is one reason why I disagree with with the conventional wisdom of not including the Midwest as a destination hot spot. Along with the Ice Age Trail and the Kettle Moraine parks in Wisconsin.
My favorite spot in the Shawnee is Bell Smith Springs--lots of interesting exposed rock formations and cliffs. Burden Falls is really nice, too. I've heard that the Garden of the Gods is great, but I haven't been there myself.
http://www.backpackcamp.com/GardenOfTheGods.html
thinking of planning a trip here yesterday
when are you headed there?
Shawnee is where I got the backpacking bug with my parents over 40 years ago. It is still as beautiful today. The Garden of the Gods area is remarkable and unlike anything you think Illinois to be. Enjoy.
mkmangold
03-19-2008, 22:38
Sonic: I was there in 1980 on spring break from NIU. FreeLeo: thanks for the link. I am sending it on to other interested parties. We will be going in the summer. Zelph is headed there soon, though.
Check out the River to River Trail! It goes across southern Illinois from the Ohio River (east) to the Mississippi (west) and goes through some beautiful areas in Shawnee National Forest. http://www.rivertorivertrail.com (http://www.rivertorivertrail.com /)
Favorite spots include: Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock, Cave in Rock, Giant City, Bell Smith Springs and I'm probably forgetting a few.
Enjoy this absolutely gorgeous area!!!
Spunky