Winter Retreat in Shawnee National Forest
Three days, 30 miles, one woman - braving the winter by foot in Shawnee National Forest. Haha, okay that sounds a bit dramatic, but at least I got your attention. ;)
At the beginning of January of this year, Southernmost Illinois provided me a four-day lodging experience so that I could explore the most beautiful National Forest in the state of Illinois. Not a bad way to start the new year, amiright?! If you are looking for a winter retreat in the Midwest region, then look no further.
Lodging
For the duration of the trip, I stayed at the oh so cozy, Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins. I couldn’t have asked for a better lodging experience! Not only is the location perfectly situated within the Shawnee National Forest, but they have farm animals on the property: llamas, miniature donkeys, goats, chickens/guineas and 4 dogs to be exact!
There are a total of 6 unique cabins on the property. I stayed in Coyote Hollow. All of their cabins are pet-friendly and have general lodging amenities (i.e. free WiFi, satellite, outdoor fireplace.) Because there was a full kitchen, I cooked and prepared all the meals during my stay. Here is a link for more information regarding cabin and local area information if you are interested in lodging! Currently, there is a winter special to the end of February 2020: 25% off weekdays and RENT 2 nights, get another night free!
Recipe for paleo magic bar cookie skillet can be found here.
Hiking
Since this is a winter retreat, you are probably thinking that I am going to talk about indoor attractions, restaurant recommendations, and shopping. Sorry to disappoint, because this girl enjoys the outdoors; regardless if it is raining, snowing, or sleeting! And now that I think of it, all three happened in one morning, haha. So if I haven’t lost you at this point, grab a map and a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the beauty that is Shawnee National Forest during winter!
Day 1:
Since the Rim Rock National Recreation trail is 100 yards east of the cabins’ main entrance, I started there first. Recommend taking the lower loop on the right side, going up the stairs in the “main attraction” area which leads around the rim of a rock escarpment, hence the name! You will see really cool bluff lines, incredible bluffs, unique rock formations, “fat man squeezes”, and creeks. If you go in the summer, wildflowers are in full bloom; so beautiful.
Rim Rock National Recreation Trail
Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy
While you are in this area, you will see another great trail: Pounds Hollow Lake. And while this spot is more of a summer hot spot, hiking around its beautiful 28 acre National Forest lake is beautiful too! Any horse lovers?! This area is the most popular horseback riding trail spot!
Pounds Hollow Lake and Thacker Hollow Loop
Distance: 10 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The last hike for the day was at high knob since it’s about a 15-minute driving distance from Pounds Hollow. A great little hike to end the day. If you are hiking in this area when it’s raining, make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes. Lots of moss means green in winter = great but when raining = slick! Tip: I highly recommend this hike first if you want the perfect view of sunsets.
Pounds Hollow
Distance: .6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2
I had an early start to the day as I drove about 40 minutes west to see the falls! First stop: Burden Falls. There are trails that you can explore in this area, but if you are pushed for time and just want to see waterfalls, you can spot them about 100 yards off the parking lot area.
Burden Falls
Distance: .8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
About 10 minutes from Burden Falls you will find Jackson Falls. This was my favorite waterfall spot! You can spend a good amount of time in this area. At the top of the falls, cross the creek and follow the trail to the left (as you are looking out over the falls) for about ¾ mile. You will cross a smaller creek/waterfall, then about 100 yards, there are some large boulders along the bluff line that you can scramble down and follow the trail back along to the falls. Many miles of scenic hiking along the top and bottom sections in this area. Any rock climbers!? This area is great for rock climbing and bouldering between three waterfalls!
Jackson Falls
Distance: 3.7 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
After lunch, I headed over to Bell Smith Springs. This was probably my favorite hiking spot! Spent the rest of the afternoon/evening weaving through various trails that contained clear, rocky streams, scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs, and beautiful vegetation! Within the trail system, you have interconnected trails featuring Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls, and a natural rock bridge. *If you have more time in this area, I would recommend checking Sand Cave
Bell Smith Springs
Distance: 8 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3:
Saved the best for last! At the wee hours of the morning, I drove over to Garden of the Gods to catch the sunrise! Even though it was below freezing temps and killer winds, man oh man, was it worth it! You can easily spend 15 minutes to a half-day in this area. There are a number of trails that offer various activities and are accessible year-round. *Please be safe when climbing the sandstone rock formations!
Garden of the Gods - Observation Trail
Distance: .5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
And there you have it! Hiking in the winter isn’t so bad! Honestly, it was a truly therapeutic experience for me. Regardless if you are doing a winter retreat on your own or doing it with loved ones, it’s good to take time out for yourself. Nature has a special way of re-grounding us. I leave you with this:
“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden
