Exploring the Shawnee National Forest
continued from page 13

dam. This is an excellent place to see the forces of water flowing down the dam that eroded the soft sandstone, creating great rock ledges and numerous small waterfalls. This stop offers a great place to get refreshed in the summer months.

South of Murphysboro, make the a stop on your Shawnee itinerary. This area offers a 3.5-mile trail through some of the neatest rock formations and canyons in the area. Shelter bluffs, sheer bluffs, and seasonal waterfalls make it a great place for exploration. Climbing out of the canyon, there are great views of and the . Hiking down and then back up in slick sandstone eroded canyons, can be quite challenging — and fun. Along Route 127, visitors can stop by and a get a great short hike over the top. The arch is 90 feet long and 25 feet above the forest floor.

Off Route 3, visitors can stop by and take a short hike along a boardwalk along the , a great place for birding enthusiasts.

South of this area, visitors can make their way over to . This is one of the most diverse ecological areas in the country. There are great views of the Mississippi River floodplain from a few observation stops at vantage points up along Pine Hills Road. Hiking trails can also be accessed off this road.

These are just a few designated recreation sites to visit in the Shawnee. For those wanting more solitude and to get off the beaten path, visitors should make sure to visit one of the seven wilderness areas in the Shawnee: , or . Together these wilderness areas offer over 26,000 acres to explore.

In addition, the 160-mile-long is a great backpack trail for the hardy, from the Ohio River to the Mississippi! This summer when you are sitting at home wondering what to do, make a plan, then load up the family and take a trip down to the Shawnee National Forest. You will be rewarded with some spectacular scenery, unique historical sites, outstanding geological features, and trails to breathtaking vistas.

Head for the hills!

For additional information contact the Shawnee National Forest at 800-699-6637 or www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/shawnee. The summer months may be humid and insects can be a nuisance. There are numerous cliffs, bluffs, stream crossings and other hazardous conditions.

Also, three venomous snakes inhabit the region: cottonmouth, copperhead, and the timber rattlesnake. Know your limits and be observant of family and friends while exploring, and you’ll have a great time.