Information
Landmark: Shawnee National ForestCity: Carbondale
Country: USA Illinois
Continent: North America
Shawnee National Forest, Carbondale, USA Illinois, North America
Overview
Tucked into the southern tip of Illinois, Shawnee National Forest stretches over nearly 280,000 acres of rolling hills and hardwood groves, spilling across several counties.Founded in 1939, it’s run by the U. S. Forest Service and stands as Illinois’s only national forest, where hardwood trees stretch into the sky.People love this forest for its rugged hills, shadowy valleys, strange limestone outcrops, thriving mix of wildlife, and a cultural past that still lingers in the air.Shawnee National Forest stretches across 12 counties in southern Illinois, touching places like Jackson, Pope, Saline, Johnson, Union, and Williamson, where oak trees line quiet back roads.The forest runs about 60 miles from east to west and 20 miles from north to south, with oak woods giving way to marshes, winding rivers, and rugged bluffs.The forest rests atop the Shawnee Hills, an ancient plateau worn down by time, where sandstone bluffs rise above limestone cliffs and streams cut deep, cool ravines through the rock.The rugged landscape features striking rock formations-the Garden of the Gods, the Little Grand Canyon, and Giant City’s sandstone “streets,” where the stone feels cool under your hand.The forest bursts with life, from towering oaks, hickories, maples, and beeches to quiet pine stands and meadows scattered with wildflowers.These diverse habitats teem with life-white-tailed deer stepping softly through the underbrush, wild turkeys rustling leaves, bobcats and foxes on the prowl, and a chorus of birds, reptiles, and amphibians filling the air.Several rivers and creeks wind through the forest, with the Ohio River tracing its southern edge, where herons stalk the shallows and people come to fish, boat, or paddle.Shawnee National Forest is packed with ways to get outside and explore.You’ll find more than 270 miles of hiking trails, from the sweeping River to River Trail that cuts across southern Illinois to shorter paths that lead to quiet overlooks, tumbling waterfalls, and weathered rock formations.Camping offers plenty of options, from cozy sites with running water and picnic tables to rugged backcountry spots where you wake to the sound of wind in the pines-something for every kind of camper.Horseback riding’s welcome here, with miles of marked trails winding through pine-scented woods and campgrounds set up for riders and their horses.Fishing and boating draw plenty of visitors to the forest’s clear lakes, winding rivers, and quiet streams, where you might reel in bass, catfish, or a shiny crappie.People take to the water for boating or canoeing on the Ohio River, where the current glints in the sun, and on the quiet reservoirs nearby.If you’re into rock climbing, you can scale the sandstone towers at Garden of the Gods or rappel down the rugged cliffs in Giant City State Park.Hunting: In certain areas, you can hunt during set seasons, a chance to step into crisp morning air and carry on a long-standing tradition.In the Forest Garden of the Gods, towering sandstone spires rise sharply against the sky, offering sweeping views that seem to stretch for miles.Little Grand Canyon offers a breathtaking box canyon, its sandstone walls rising beside rugged trails that twist through the quiet desert air.Giant City State Park is famous for its towering sandstone bluffs and offers plenty to do, from hiking shaded trails to enjoying its well-kept picnic spots.On the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, you’ll catch breathtaking views-towering sandstone cliffs on one side, dense green forest on the other.Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area offers crystal-clear water, tumbling cascades, and inviting swimming holes shaded by tall pines.The Shawnee National Forest lies on ground once home to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Illiniwek, where river paths and ancient hunting trails still whisper their stories.The forest’s hills, streams, and rich resources shaped their cultures in lasting ways.In the years that followed, loggers stripped the forests and farmers plowed the soil, working it hard until the early 1900s, when the federal government stepped in to start restoring and protecting the land.In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps played a major role in building park facilities, clearing winding trails, and shoring up hillsides to prevent erosion.The forest runs several ranger district offices and visitor centers, where you can pick up maps, get permits, and ask about trails that smell of fresh pine.You’ll find plenty of ways into the forest-several trailheads and entrances scattered throughout-and some roads or picnic areas open only when the weather cooperates.Shawnee National Forest is one of Illinois’ top spots for outdoor adventure, with sweeping landscapes, rich ecosystems, and everything from quiet hiking trails to lively campsites.Rugged hills, winding trails, and centuries of history draw hikers, campers, anglers, climbers, and nature lovers eager to discover southern Illinois’s wild, protected landscapes.
