Shawnee National Forest – Image Gallery

Shawnee National Forest

Details

Shawnee National Forest

The Shawnee National Forest is a sprawling 280,000-acre natural area located in southern Illinois. It is known for its diverse landscape, which includes rugged cliffs, lush forests, rolling hills, and sparkling lakes. The forest is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Features

• Garden of the Gods: One of the most iconic features of the Shawnee National Forest, the Garden of the Gods is a stunning rock formation that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
• River to River Trail: This 160-mile trail traverses the entire length of the forest, offering hikers the opportunity to explore its many ecosystems and natural wonders.
• Pomona Natural Bridge: This natural rock bridge is a unique geological formation that is a popular spot for visitors to the forest.
• Lusk Creek Canyon: This scenic canyon is a popular destination for rock climbing, hiking, and bird watching.

Ecological Significance

The Shawnee National Forest is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. The forest provides important habitat for species such as the timber rattlesnake, Indiana bat, and red-headed woodpecker. It also plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality in the region, as its forests help to filter pollutants and regulate water flow in rivers and streams.

Additionally, the Shawnee National Forest is an important recreational area for residents and visitors alike, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes make it a valuable natural resource for the state of Illinois.

Shawnee National Forest

Points of Interest

Shawnee National Forest Points of Interest

• Garden of the Gods: This iconic rock formation offers stunning views of the surrounding Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can hike along the scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking panoramic vistas.
• Rim Rock Trail: This popular hiking trail winds through towering rock formations and offers incredible views of the Shawnee National Forest. The trail is known for its unique geological features and diverse plant life.
• Pomona Natural Bridge: This natural rock arch is a must-see attraction in the Shawnee National Forest. Visitors can hike to the bridge and marvel at its impressive size and beauty.
• Little Grand Canyon: This dramatic canyon offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the canyon's rugged terrain and enjoy the scenic beauty of the area.
• Cedar Lake: This tranquil lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and camping. Visitors can relax on the sandy beaches, explore the surrounding forests, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

These are just a few of the many points of interest in the Shawnee National Forest. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, or a peaceful retreat in nature, the Shawnee National Forest has something for everyone.

Shawnee National Forest – Images

Description: A heavily forested retracement trail alignment at Hamburg Hill, in the Shawnee National Forest, near Jonesboro, Illinois Keywords: trte; trail of tears national historic trail; nht; national historic trail; usfs; shawnee national forest; illinois; union county; jonesboro; hamburg hill; facilities; structures; and assets; recreational trail; natural resources; forest; spring; cultural resources; ruts and swales; retracement trail; trail of tears association; (Trail of Tears National Historic Trail State)

Image by National Trails Office (US National Park Service) – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: A retracement trail leads into the forest at the Hamburg Hill Trail, in the Shawnee National Forest, near Jonesboro, Illinois Keywords: trte; trail of tears national historic trail; nht; national historic trail; usfs; shawnee national forest; illinois; union county; jonesboro; hamburg hill; facilities; structures; and assets; recreational trail; natural resources; forest; spring; trail of tears association; (Trail of Tears National Historic Trail State)

Image by National Trails Office (US National Park Service) – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Excellent example of Liesegang banding in sandstone. Taken near Garden of the Gods in IL

Image by Paul Inkenbrandt – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods, South Illinois, USA

Image by Fritz Geller-Grimm – CC BY-SA 2.5 – Wikimedia

Description: Rock formations near hiking trail

Image by Djngsf – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Original caption: Shawnee NF Entrance portal on State Hwy.145. Poles for this portal were cut from a pine plantation planted by CCC in 1937.

Image by Department of Agriculture. Forest Service. Region 9 (Eastern Region). 1965 – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: A view of (part of) the Pine Hills Escarpment, in the LaRue–Pine Hills–Otter Pond Research Natural Area of the Shawnee National Forest.

Image by ZFT – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: The Garden of the Gods in The Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. These sandstone outcroppings make this region of the forest particularly striking in contrast with the fall foliage. (NB: As far as I know, it bears no relationship to the monument with the same name in Colorado).

Image by M. Readey – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Scenic View

Image by Djngsf – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia