Hiking with Shawn

Welcome to Hiking with Shawn, your premiere source for trail guides, services, hiking tips, and resources for adventuring in the Shawnee National Forest and State Parks in Southern Illinois.

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Latest Blog Posts from Hiking with Shawn

Check out the latest blog posts from Hiking with Shawn. Be sure to head over to my main blog for access to all my posts.

How to Start Trail Running in the Shawnee National Forest

How to Start Trail Running in the Shawnee National Forest

How to Start Trail Running in the Shawnee National ForestI recently wrote an article on another blog about why cycling is better than running, but little did I know that a few months later, I would be trail running. I signed up for a half-marathon trail run. I wasn’t...

Victoria Glades Conservation Area Guide

Victoria Glades Conservation Area Guide

Victoria Glades Conservation Area GuideVictoria Glades Conservation Area is a 2.2-mile hiking loop trail located near De Soto, Missouri. The trail is relatively easy, but some creek crossings, hills, and challenging terrain are part of the hiking experience. In this...

Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guide

Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guide

Hughes Mountain Natural Area GuideHave you been to Hughes Mountain Natural Area in Irondale, Missouri, yet? This natural area is probably one of my favorite hiking trails in the state of Missouri. It’s managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and features...

Latest Local Hiking Trail Guides

Check out the hiking, cycling, and kayaking Trail Guides by Hiking with Shawn. Visit my Main Trail Guides page to see all the guides.

Victoria Glades Conservation Area Guide

Victoria Glades Conservation Area Guide

Victoria Glades Conservation Area GuideVictoria Glades Conservation Area is a 2.2-mile hiking loop trail located near De Soto, Missouri. The trail is relatively easy, but some creek crossings, hills, and challenging terrain are part of the hiking experience. In this...

Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guide

Hughes Mountain Natural Area Guide

Hughes Mountain Natural Area GuideHave you been to Hughes Mountain Natural Area in Irondale, Missouri, yet? This natural area is probably one of my favorite hiking trails in the state of Missouri. It’s managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation and features...

Big Rocky Hollow Trail Guide

Big Rocky Hollow Trail Guide

Big Rocky Hollow Trail GuideThe Big Rocky Hollow Trail is also considered the “main waterfall” trail at Ferne Clyffe State Park near Goreville, Illinois. This is an easy trail located within the state park that features multiple waterfalls, bluffs, additional hiking...

Latest Gear Reviews by Hiking with Shawn

Check out the latest hiking, cycling, and kayaking gear reviews by Hiking with Shawn. Visit my Main Gear Reviews page to see all my reviews.

Ultimate Review: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote (Men’s Hiking Shoe)

Ultimate Review: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote (Men’s Hiking Shoe)

Ultimate Review: Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote (Men’s Hiking Shoe)I’m reviewing the Merrell Moab Speed 2 Coyote hiking shoe for those who may be looking for a new hiking or trail running shoe. Although it’s advertised as a hiking shoe, I also use it for trail running....

Men’s Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots Review

Men’s Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots Review

Men's Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots ReviewThis is my review of the Men's Merrell Crosslander 3 Low Hiking Boots! These versatile shoes, marketed as low hiking boots but more akin to hiking shoes, have been my trusted companions for a few months now. I'm...

Impetro Gear Backpack: A Comprehensive Review

Impetro Gear Backpack: A Comprehensive Review

Impetro Gear Backpack: A Comprehensive ReviewThis is a review of the Impetro Gear Backpack. Just for full transparency, I use affiliate links in this review. That means I earn a commission for every sale made, but it doesn't impact your price. You can search for the...

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