By Karon Brown
Have you ever seen an image of rolling hills and majestic rock formations on the front of an Illinois travel brochure and thought, “that can’t possibly be in Illinois?” Well, believe it or not, it is! There’s a fascinating region in the southernmost region of Illinois that is home to Shawnee National Forest.
The Ozarks of Illinois
Formed by the edge of an ancient glacier and nestled between the mighty Mississippi and Ohio rivers, the landscape of Shawnee National Forest is unlike any other region in Illinois. Shawnee is part of the U.S. Forest Service, but is also home to several Illinois State Parks. The area spans almost 290,000 acres and is home to hardwood forests, protected wetlands, rocky bluffs, and iconic geological formations. All these unique attributes offer a wealth of outdoor and historical activities to visitors.
Outdoor Activities Abound
Shawnee National Forest is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. The area offers hiking, biking, paddling, fishing, horseback riding, waterfalls, nature viewing, and of course, camping. Here are some of my favorites:



Hiking:
- Garden of the Gods Recreation Area – The vistas from the observation trail are the most photographed and recognizable representing the Shawnee region
- Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
- Jackson Falls
- Little Grand Canyon Trail
- Ferne Clyffe State Park
- Giant City State Park



Biking:
- Tunnel Hill State Trail is on a former railbed which runs 45 miles between Harrisburg and Karnak
Paddling:
- Cache River State Natural Area was formed by glacial floodwaters from the Ohio River. It is home some of the oldest living cypress trees east of the Mississippi



Birding & Wildlife Viewing:
Reward Yourself & Explore Some More
After exploring all the natural wonders the region has to offer, treat yourself to some of the other area attractions.
- Shawnee Hills Wine Trail is a 35 mile scenic drive with 11 award winning wineries and breweries
- Peachy keen! Try some juicy Illinois peaches at Rendleman Orchards
- Visit a museum or other historical attraction including Superman’s home town in Metropolis
- Connect with your spirituality at Bald Knob Cross of Peace



Where to Stay
There are accommodations for all types of adventure seekers. Traditional hotels and motels, B & B’s, cabins, campgrounds, and even treehouses!
My favorite campground is Shawnee Forest Campground in Vienna. With full hook ups and shower houses, it can’t be beat!



Hidden Gem
Shawnee National Forest and the Southernmost Illinois region is truly a hidden gem in the Land of Lincoln. It’s less than 3 hours from St. Louis and about 5 hours from Chicagoland. The next time you want to get out of the city and explore an area that has so much to offer, check out this unique and unmatched part of Illinois.
Looking for a great day trip with paddling, hiking, and biking? Check out the Hennepin Canal State Trail.
Karon Brown – Contributing Editor & Illinois Chapter Guide
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