Bay Creek Lake, also known as Millstone Lake is about 96 acres and fed by Bay Creek. Bay Creek is known for its clear clean spring-fed waters. This lake is becoming more popular, but it is not easily found and there are no directional signs from the main highway.
The lake lies north of State Hwy 147 near the small town of Simpson, IL. Access is by gravel and dirt roads and then a short portage of your canoe or kayak is necessary to reach the lake.
However the clear clean waters of Bay Creek Lake make it worth the trip to relax and enjoy the seclusion of this 96-acre lake.

The southeast side of the Lake of Egypt is surrounded by Shawnee National Forest and open to primitive camping in the general forest area. Hickory Ridge Boat Launch is a gravel launch situated on the eastern finger of Lake of Egypt in Johnson County. Popular recreation activities include fishing, water sports, mushroom hunting, primitive camping

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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