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Backpacker Magazine – October 2001
Best Backpacking In Illinois
Our comprehensive guide to the best backpacking you can find in Illinois.
Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee is the biggest chunk of public land in Illinois, so it's no wonder all three reader favorites fall within its 253,250 acres. This sprawling forest holds deep woods, weird rock formations, clear creeks, and seven small wilderness areas, including the Garden of the Gods (see below). Other highlights include creekside trails in the Panther Den Wilderness and the Indian Kitchen Trail in Lusk Creek, a 5,000-acre wilderness some call the "most pristine place in Illinois."
Contact: Shawnee National Forest, (800) 699-6637; www.fs.fed.us/r9/shawnee.
River-to-River Trail
This 146-mile trail winds from Battery Rock on the Ohio River to the banks of the mighty Mississippi. A biological wonderland and part of the American Discovery Trail, it's open to horses and in some sections to mountain bikes. The sections in the Panther Den and Garden of the Gods Wildernesses are your best bets for solitude.
Contact: River to River Trail Society, (618) 252-6789. Shawnee National Forest, (800) 699-6637; www.fs.fed.us.r9/shawnee.
Garden of the Gods Wilderness
Here's a place where the shadows dance. Hike beneath the branches of old-growth forest among otherworldly rock formations—rumpled towers and lichen-scruffed boulders with names like Camel Rock, Noah's Arc, and Mushroom Rock. At just 3,268 acres, Garden of the Gods is an intimate wilderness gem.
Contact: Shawnee National Forest, (800) 699-6637; www.fs.fed.us/r9/shawnee.
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READERS COMMENTS
Any backpacking trails in northern Illinois?
I am hiker in the southern part of illnois. but can't get out much because i don't have a partner. can someone help me out?
I am hiker in the southern part of illnois. but can't get out much because i don't have a partner. can someone help me out?
Champaign Surplus is a local hiking store in Champaign, IL. I've never seen any great hiking stores near Shawnee, though Carbondale is likely to have something.
Champaign Surplus is a local hiking store in Champaign, IL. I've never seen any great hiking stores near Shawnee, though Carbondale is likely to have something.
there is a place in Carbondale, if your going hiking in the south, you should check him out. "Shawnee trails" is the name of the shop and the owner is Rick. He if really well versed in everything southern IL has to offer.
I would recommend REI if you have one close by the people there know what they are talking about and will help you with any questions you may have... Good Luck and Enjoy
Hi,
I'm a hiker and generally stick to the flat trails such as Illinois/Michigan Canal. I'm planning to do some backpacking and wonder if you have any suggestions on RETAILERS in Illinois that can lend expertise with packs and such. I live near Starved Rock State park in the north central part of Illinois.
thanx
sporter@mtco.com
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