Best Hiking in Southern Illinois
Hiking Shawnee National Forest
Trying to break up your hiking adventure into smaller chunks? Check out Bart Lane’s Shawnee Guided hiking tour and shuttle service. Having grown up in Southern Illinois, Bart offers hikers that are not familiar with the area an in-depth peek into the little-known beauties of the Shawnee Forest. “What I hope to achieve through my services is an opportunity to take individuals and groups of hikers that would benefit from being guided along unfamiliar trails to places they would not see on their own” (Bart Lane).
Bart’s shuttle service is not limited to hikers, but is also available for kayakers wanting the convenience of being dropped off at their launch point so that they can float down to their waiting vehicles.
If exploring on your own is more ideal for you, you will definitely want to check out some of the amazing hiking trails in Illinois that you will find featured below.
Best Hiking in Southern Illinois
Heron Pond
Heron Pond
Heron Pond is one of the best short hikes hands down. While driving there, you will pass other trails that peak your interest (Tunnel Hill Trail) but you will be heavily rewarded if you can stay on course. This is part of the Cache River Nature Area and an important stop for migrating birds.
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Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Hike
Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Hike
The Ferne Clyffe waterfall hike is amazing all along it’s 3/4 mile path with a great reward at the end. Fantastic rock formations surround both sides of a well-cared-for path as well as a picture perfect rock creek . A must see for any tourist to Southern Illinois.
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Jackson Falls
Jackson Falls
Want to add extreme sports to your natural adventure at Shawnee Forest? Hike the trails at Jackson Falls Recreation Area and go rappelling, rock climbing, or bouldering at an array of over 60 distinct climbing areas all while experiencing some of the most beautiful sites Shawnee National Forest has to offer.
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