Growing up in this area the Shawnee Forest has always been there, a part of my life. As a child and young adult I spent many days camping, hiking, horseback riding and riding ATVs in the woods of southern Illinois. When I was younger I noticed the beauty of the place but I think I failed to fully appreciate it. As I got older and busier with kids and work I had less and less time for adventures in the woods. I took my kids when they were younger but they reached that age where trips with Mom weren't the most desired and friends won out. At least I instilled a love of nature in them while they were young that seems to have continued to this day. Then I was busy with work and returning to school for an advanced degree. My interests evolved into other activities and I rarely camped, hiked or visited the Shawnee Forest. Thankfully my daughter is now trying to teach her children the joys of nature and I've been drawn back into it. Now I'm rediscovering my love of the outdoors and time spent in nature.
A few weeks ago I went with my daughter and her kids to Rim Rock Trail in Southern Illinois just east of Garden of the Gods. There is a shorter loop hike that returns you back to the trail head or you can go further and hike to Pounds Hollow Lake which is the trail that we took. I can't believe in all the years I've lived in this area that I have never been to either of these two places before.
The shorter loop hike is 0.8 miles and paved. This hike is less strenuous but includes remnants of a stone wall built by prehistoric natives, an observation deck and some interpretive signs. A small picnic area and pit toilets are located near the parking lot at the beginning of the trail.
At the observation deck you can choose to descend stairs to the lower trail that leads to Pounds Hollow lake. On descending the stairs you weave through the rocks like a "fat mans squeeze" until you reach the lower trail. This trail is unpaved and wanders along the base of the bluffs for over a half mile. On the way to the lake you will see Ox Lot Cave. An interpretive sign indicates this is where 19th century loggers kept their horses and oxen but I'm sure it was used for shelter by people for many years prior to that.
The trail continues and gradually leaves the bluffs and meanders along the lakeside. The trail eventually opens out into the Pounds Hollow recreational area. There is a designated swimming area roped off with a sandy beach and a dock. This area can also be reached easily by the road with a parking lot up a flight of stairs from the beach. Just above the beach is a covered picnic area and toilets. All toilet facilities were closed when we visited due to Covid-19. 
The hike from Rim Rock trail head to Pounds Hollow lake and back was about 3 miles. On our return we took an alternate trail that wound around the other side of the rocky bluffs before returning to the parking lot. The scenery is beautiful and the hiking has moderate elevation changes and some steps. There are small streams with bridges to cross over and cliff overhangs to explore if you dare.
If you're interested in directions or more information about Rim Rock Trail you can view the USDA trail information here:
Or Shawnee Forest has hundreds of other beautiful trails throughout southern Illinois offering both day hiking and backpacking adventures. Paper trail maps are available at Ranger stations which are now closed. I ordered mine by downloading the order form from this website:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/shawnee/maps-pubs. Alternative apps for smartphones are also available with trail maps and information.
Last week it was back to the trails for more time in nature. This time I went with a friend and our cameras. I was trying to figure out settings on my camera while enjoying the day with a great friend in a beautiful setting. We chose to hike at Fern Cliff State Park which is also part of Shawnee National Forest. There are many hiking trails to choose from with plenty of scenic interest including bluffs, waterfalls and lakes. It was a fun day and I got some good photography practice. Hiking ended with a picnic lunch lakeside before returning home.
Fern Cliff is a beautiful state park near Goreville, Illinois that includes a campground and several picnic areas. Available activities include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, hunting and fishing. Reservations for the campground like all Illinois state park campgrounds can be made through the Reserve America website. Additional information is available on their website https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/FerneClyffe.aspx.
Please remember to be safe in your hiking adventure. Due to the remoteness of many of these locations rescue is not always quick. Every year I read of persons falling off cliffs or getting lost and just this morning I read of a car overturned on one of these remote roads. Aside from this are other risks from weather, wildlife, plants, etc. I don't write this to scare anyone away from all that Shawnee Forest has to offer but to advise that with proper planning and preparation you can make unforgettable memories with your family or friends.
"And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul."
John Muir
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