Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
The Shawnee National Forest, located in southern Illinois between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, is teeming with natural beauty and perfect for all kinds of outdoor recreation. It is a brilliant expanse of approximately 280,000 acres that covers a large portion of the southern tip of Illinois. In other words, it’s the perfect spot to take a much-deserved break from the endless crush of bad news for a few days. The region has mild weather all year round, making a visit enjoyable in any season.
The Shawnee National Forest is famed for its awesome Garden of the Gods, and is home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail. Hikers are greeted by magnificent jutting walls of rock covered with emerald-green moss, and paths that meander through canyons under the forest canopy.
The stunning Shawnee National Forest landscape features rolling hills, lakes, creeks and rugged bluffs. If you’re into climbing than a must-see is Jackson Falls, located near the town of Ozark in the Hidden Springs Ranger District in Shawnee National Forest. The climb takes place on 60 feet of sandstone cliffs and boulders that include numerous freestanding towers.
- Distance from Chicago: 351 miles southwest, 5.5-hour drive
- Stay: Rim Rock's Dogwood Cabins, Shawnee Trails Lodging and Suites, Rocky Comfort Cabins
