Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
Do you and your family enjoy boating, hiking, or swimming? Experience all this and more at Pounds Hollow Recreation Area! Pounds Hollow offers a variety of outdoor activities that are sure to appeal to the entire family. The twenty-five acre lake surround thousands of scenic woodland creates a plethora of natural diversions. Finished in the 1940’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps Men (CCC), the lake at Pounds Hollow and the surrounding trails continue to provide plenty of activities for an entire weekend, or you can pack it all into a day!
Pounds Hollow Hiking
Hike Beaver trail to get a full view of the lake! Observe the active fauna while taking an easy walk down the hiker-only trails marked with blue diamonds and over wooden bridges that traverse trickling streams feeding into the lake. A dense canopy of trees keeps the sun at bay while you enjoy the spectacular natural sites one is likely to encounter while navigating this woodland habitat. Go horseback riding along many of Pounds Hollow’s equestrian/hiker trails marked with a white diamond! For a longer hike, take Beaver Trail Southwest approximately a half mile past the lake and arrive at the lower Rim Rock trail.
Swimming Beach & Lake Pavilion
The large stone pavilion built by the CCC provides amazing views of the lake and beach area, and it comes equipped with several large picnic tables perfect for a large gathering or a simple family picnic lunch. More than a few lakeside picnic areas are available for Shawnee Forest visitors. Swim at the beach to cool off in the designated swimming area! Lay back in the sand while the children splash on the shoreline or dive in with them from dawn until dusk! Stay within the buoys for a safe swimming experience.
Boating & Fishing
During daytime hours, small boats are allowed on the lake, which is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish for our fisherman friends! Only electric motors are allowed on the lake to protect the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area from unnecessary human impact and preserve the wildlife that many Shawnee Forest visitors have come to enjoy.
Camping Pounds Hollow
The Park Ridge Campground offers more than thirty five campsites with trails connecting to the beach. Camping is available April 1st through December 15th and no reservations are accepted. Park camping is strictly first come, first serve. Fees for camping may vary.
How do I get to Pounds Hollow Illinois?
Pounds Hollow Recreation Area
What Else is Near the Pounds?
While visiting Pounds Hollow, it is worth the extra time to check out Rim Rock and of course Garden of the Gods. Turn your half day trip into a full day experiencing the grandeur of Shawnee National Forest at some of the most beautiful locations the forest has to offer. See amazing panoramic views that you never thought would be in Illinois. These areas are truly the experience of a lifetime.