The Shawnee Challenge 2024
Expiration: Dec 31st 2024
Spanning 289,000 acres, Shawnee National Forest is nestled in Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. It features strikingly beautiful oak-hickory forests, flourishing wetlands, lush canyons, razorback ridges and unique geological features. All seasons bring a different experience.
Winter is a great time to enjoy the slower, quieter side of Shawnee Forest Country in Southernmost Illinois. The cooler temperatures mean no bugs or snakes and the trees are bare, allowing you to see much further into the forests.
Take the Shawnee Challenge, a self-supported, outdoor challenge allowing you to experience different parts of the Shawnee National Forest in the ways you prefer: hiking, paddling, on horseback or mountain biking. This challenge is not a stroll in the park. It is for those looking to get off the beaten path, and reconnect with nature. Many of the locations have limited, or no services. Part of the challenge is to ‘pack it in and pack it out’ – a ‘leave no trace’ adventure.
Earn points by checking into challenge locations to redeem a Shawnee Challenge sticker and sweepstakes entries for a quarterly drawing of a Shawnee apparel prize package.
Included Venues
See locations on an interactive map.
Bald Knob Wilderness
Adjacent to the beautiful Bald Knob Cross landmark this rugid and remote wilderness offers the Bald Knob trail loop and the linear Godwin Trail which connects into Clear Springs wilderness. Along Bald Knob trail during leaf-off season, there is an excellent view of Clear Creek Valley. Trail users will be exposed to the Ozark-like terrain of steep rocky slopes in excess of 80%.
Be sure and see Bald Knob Cross of Peace.
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Be sure and see Bald Knob Cross of Peace.
Cedar Lake
Three trailheads provide access to the Cedar
Lake trail system. For the perfect day-hike, try
either Cove Hollow trail or Little Cedar Lake
loop trail. Total Trail System = 16 miles
Little Cedar Loop = 4.3 miles
Cove Hollow Trail = 3.3 miles
Trail Surface: Dirt/Natural - Moderate to Difficult
Lake trail system. For the perfect day-hike, try
either Cove Hollow trail or Little Cedar Lake
loop trail. Total Trail System = 16 miles
Little Cedar Loop = 4.3 miles
Cove Hollow Trail = 3.3 miles
Trail Surface: Dirt/Natural - Moderate to Difficult
Dutchman Lake
Relax and enjoy the seclusion of this 118 acre lake.
Gravel boat launch. Shoreline fishing available.
Gravel boat launch. Shoreline fishing available.
Garden of the Gods
One of the most photographed locations in the state, Garden of the Gods' scenic beauty is extraordinary. In the recreation area you can hike, camp, nature watch or picnic.
The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.
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The Observation Trail features unique sandstone rock formations and panoramic views of the surrounding Garden of the God Wilderness. Interpretive signs explain the geological history. The 1/4-mile trail is made of natural sandstone and takes about an hour to walk. It contains short, steep grades and steps; benches are located along the trail and as a whole the trail is not tiring. Caution should be used due to the high cliffs in the area.
Hamburg Hill
Located south of Jonesboro, the site is part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The Trail of Tears commemorates the forcible removal of more than 16,000 Cherokee, black slaves and other tribes from their homelands (in northwest Georgia and adjacent Tennessee, Alabama and North Carolina) to Oklahoma in 1838 and 1839. The impact to these people was devastating. Hundreds of Cherokee died from cold and hunger during the trip west, and thousands more perished from the consequences of relocation.
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Hidden Springs Ranger Station
Exhibits and forest information and souvenirs.
High Knob Lookout
Once the site of a fire lookout tower. The old tower's concrete footings still remain. A picnic area provides daytime parking and trailhead for the 5-miles of interconnecting trails below the Knob. Forty foot cliffs, clear creeks and deciduous forest are just a few of the features along the path.
Illinois Iron Furnace (National Historic Site)
The Illinois Iron Furnace is the only remaining iron furnace structure in the state of Illinois. Iron was manufactured at the Illinois Furnace by the charcoal blast method. The furnace was built on a dry laid limestone foundation. The exterior of the furnace was manufactured of large limestone blocks quarried near the town of Cave-In-Rock. The interior wall, or lining, was constructed of firebrick from Pennsylvania. The space between the interior and exterior walls was filled with sandstone. Wrought iron binders were placed through the stonework and tightened to secure the walls. All of the stonework was dry laid. A 1/2 mile trail leading from the back of the picnic area features bottomland habitat and bottomland tree species. The trail winds along Big Creek and offers 2 or 3 deep old-fashioned fishing holes. Once a site of an iron making blast furnace, the picnic area contains a reconstructed blast furnace as a monument to our nation's past industry.
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Johnson Creek Recreation Area
Located on a quiet, northwest finger of Kinkaid
Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a
variety of outdoor activities, from camping and
paddling to hiking and horseback riding along the lake and biking the scenic roads. Trail System – 31.5 miles
Kinkaid Lake Trail – 15.7 miles
Buttermilk Hill Trail – 7.8 miles
Trail Surface: Dirt and gravel - Moderate to difficult
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Lake, Johnson Creek Recreation Area offers a
variety of outdoor activities, from camping and
paddling to hiking and horseback riding along the lake and biking the scenic roads. Trail System – 31.5 miles
Kinkaid Lake Trail – 15.7 miles
Buttermilk Hill Trail – 7.8 miles
Trail Surface: Dirt and gravel - Moderate to difficult
Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Lake Glendale Recreation Area’s central location makes it easy to visit main attractions on either side of the forest or any place in-between. Surrounded by tall pine trees and mixed hardwood forests, Lake Glendale Recreation Area offers a wide range of recreation opportunities including, camping, swimming, boating and fishing, as well as 19 miles for mountain bike use and hiking.
Horse rental available at Lake Glendale Stables.
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Horse rental available at Lake Glendale Stables.
LaRue-Pine Hills -Inspiration Point Trail
The panoramic view of the Mississippi River valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands are well worth the climb. Wildlife is abundant with bird watching at a premium.
Length: 3/4 mile
Surface Type: Rock and Dirt - Moderate
Length: 3/4 mile
Surface Type: Rock and Dirt - Moderate
Lincoln Memorial Park
The Lincoln Memorial is the site of the third in a series of seven Lincoln-Douglas debates. Currently the picnic area offers three easy walking loops ranging from .24 - .41 miles. Walking paths are on paved surface and surrounded with various plant and tree species. The Lincoln Memorial pond provides great scenery for walkers and a great habitat for turtles.
Get a selfie with the statues of Lincoln & Douglas!
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Get a selfie with the statues of Lincoln & Douglas!
Little Grand Canyon Trail
The entire trail is 3 miles trail but shorter segments can be taken that lead to scenic overlooks. The upper trail has interpretive signs. In the canyon the trail winds along the base of 300-foot bluffs and through a bottomland forest before leading out of the canyon through a rocky creekbed.
Lusk Creek Canoe/Kayak Access
Float one of the most scenic creeks in southern Illinois. Lusk Creek Canoe/Kayak access is located just minutes from Eddyville, IL and offers easy access for recreating on beautiful Lusk Creek. The site features a walk-down launch path, parking lot and information board with map.
Kayak rental at Garden of the Gods Outpost.
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Kayak rental at Garden of the Gods Outpost.
Millstone Bluff Archaeological Area
A woodchip 3/4-mile trail interprets the ancient Indian village site on the top of this bluff. A noticeable high point, Millstone Bluff was utilized by both the Woodland and Mississippian Indians. The preservation of natural heritage sites like this one will enable us to uncover more about these past cultures.
Oakwood Bottoms
Oakwood Bottoms offers excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.
Big Muddy Boat Launch also offers one of the few locations to launch your boat or kayak onto the Big Muddy River.
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Big Muddy Boat Launch also offers one of the few locations to launch your boat or kayak onto the Big Muddy River.
One Horse Gap Lake
The One Horse Gap trail system is famous for a short trail known as “the gap trail”. As its name indicates, the Trail features a narrow gap between the bluffs that allows only one horse to pass through at a time. This trail system utilizes segments of system-trails, dirt and gravel roads and even remnants of old roads. Many interesting things can be found along the trails from old cemeteries and early settler’s home sites, to towering bluffs and flowing creeks. One Horse Gap Trail –1.4 miles (one-way) 30 miles total of interconnected trails. Easy to moderate
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Panther Den Wilderness
Hikers and bird-watchers head for this spot, for both the scenery and the avian-viewing possibilities found on the 70-foot-high cliffs. Huge blocks have split off from the canyon wall to form narrow crevices. Ancient rock shelters here suggest that people have been using the "Den" for centuries. Trail Length: 2.5 miles round trip - Moderate to Difficult on Dirt & gravel
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Pomona Natural Bridge
Pomona Natural Bridge Trail features a short loop trail leading through a mature oak-hickory and beech forest. As the trail descends to the creek, an overlook reveals a view of Pomona Natural Bridge, which spans 90 feet, nestled within the trees.
Loop trail - 0.3 mile, moderate
Stop in the Pomona Winery for a taste of the area.
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Loop trail - 0.3 mile, moderate
Stop in the Pomona Winery for a taste of the area.
Pounds Hollow Lake
Pounds Hollow Lake provides opportunities to picnic, fish, swim, camp, nature watch and hike. Hike to Rim Rock Trail is 0.6 mile.
Kayak rental at Garden of the Gods Outpost.
Kayak rental at Garden of the Gods Outpost.
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
A wonderfully scenic trail, The upper trail is paved and less strenuous for hikers. Features interpretive signs explaining the past uses of the area and the natural and cultural characteristics found today. The trail leads past remnants of a stone wall built by prehistoric Native Americans.
Rim Rock Trail = 0.8 miles
Lower Trail section = 0.7 miles
Lake Trail section = 0.6 miles
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Rim Rock Trail = 0.8 miles
Lower Trail section = 0.7 miles
Lake Trail section = 0.6 miles
Ripple Hollow Trail
This trail features high ridge tops and deep ravines. It meanders through low areas and crosses a creek 3 times. Fall colors are spectacular before the leaves fall; after they fall the ridges offer terrific views of the floodplain. The north Ripple loop is 4 miles. The Dogwood Flats and north Ripple loop is 5 miles. The Dogwood Flats and West side of North Ripple loop is 4 1/2 miles. From Pine Knob to Vick Hill is 6 1/2 miles.
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Shawnee National Forest Headquarters
Forest information available.
Stone Face Trail
Old Stoneface is a 1.6-mile out and back moderately rugged trail in Saline County, Illinois. Old Stoneface trail features various bluff, rock formations and scenic overlooks. The trail is most known for its main rock formation called ‘Old Stoneface’ which resembles a face.
Trigg Tower
Trigg Lookout Tower is the only remaining of the 16 fire lookouts constructed on the Shawnee National Forest. Originally built in 1934 as a 60 ft. wood structure, it was replaced in 1938-39 with a 100-foot-tall steel tower. In 1973, the upper 50 ft of the steel frame was removed, and an observation platform constructed offering vistas of the Shawnee Hills. From Vienna travel east on Illinois HWY 147 for 9.4 miles to the community of Simpson. Turn north (left) onto Trigg Tower Road. The tower is located two miles up the road.
From US Hwy 45 head east on Ozark Road. Turn south (right) onto Trigg Tower Road for 4.5 miles.
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From US Hwy 45 head east on Ozark Road. Turn south (right) onto Trigg Tower Road for 4.5 miles.