Top Adventures in Simpson
Hike & Climb at Jackson Falls
The road into Jackson Falls is rough and sometimes has washouts. A high clearance or 4x4 vehicle are almost required.
Once you reach the parking or primitive camping area, take the short path to the top of the falls. It is close to only a 0.25 mil...
4.5 miles
410 ft gain
Hike Bell Smiths Springs
Four separate trails make up the 8 miles of available hikes in the Bell Smith Springs National Natural Landmark. The dirt trails can be moderate to difficult in some areas. Please, stay on designated trails. The trails pass under large shelter blu...
1.5 miles
164 ft gain
Paddle Millstone Lake
Enjoy the seclusion of this 118-acre lake. After a few miles of unimproved rough road, you will arrive at the spill way of Millstone Lake. The remoteness alone is worth the trip. Kayak, Canoe, or SUP the lake and even extend it up a couple of mile...
Hike to Sand Cave
Shawnee National Forest played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad in the mid-19th century. As slaves escaped and headed north, the dense forest and rugged terrain offered natural hiding places. On the route through Pope County, Illinois, f...
1.2 miles
32 ft gain
Hike Millstone Bluff in the Shawnee National Forest
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this mile loop trail leads you along a bluff line to the ruins of a historic village of Woodland and Mississippian Native Americans.
Mississippian Natives established a village here between 100...
1 miles
193 ft gain
Climb Up the Trigg Observation Tower
Trusting in the iron supporting the stairs is difficult until you step on the wood, which soon become your main concern. A fun test for a fear of heights.
Explore Camp Ondessonk
In the heart of the Shawnee National Forest is an amazing camp that provides many adventures for those with all skill levels.
When camp is out, anyone is allowed to visit Camp Ondessonk as a guest and explore. There are over 10 miles of trails thr...
10 miles
Hike to Burden Falls
Located in the Shawnee National Forest, Burden Falls, though perhaps small by other standards, is among the highest in Illinois. There are many side trails to explore, making this a great spot for birders and photographers.
3.5 miles
Paddle or Swim at Lake Glendale Recreation Area
Hike, swim, paddle, fish, bike, or picnic is a amazing medium size lake in the heart of the Shawnee. Surrounded by trees, bluffs, creeks, and trails in all directions paired with its central location many attractions in Southern Illinois, Lake Gle...
Hike to Indian Kitchen
Designated a national natural landmark in 1980, Lusk Creek Canyon is the name of a 906-acre canyon located within the Lusk Creek Wilderness Area of the Shawnee National Forest in Pope County, Illinois. The Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve and Nat...
4.8 miles
192 ft gain
Camp at Oak Point Campground
Oak Point Campground is located in the Lake Glendale Recreation Area, there are 34 full hook up sites and 25 primitive tent camping sites. Group camping is also available at the Duck Bay Shelter and the Goose Bay Shelter.
All sites are first come ...
Paddle Lusk Creek Wilderness
For a full day on Lusk Creek, put in at Iron Bridge and paddle 7.1 miles of Shawnee National Forest beauty. This 8 hour excursion is sure to delight the senses as you pass through some of the most pristine areas in Illinois.
Lusk Creek is a remote...
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