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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.
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail Guide
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail GuideButtermilk Hill Beach Trail is a multi-use, out-and-back trail located on Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The hike is around 7.6 miles. This is an out-and-back trail that requires you to hike a long...
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for Backpacking
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for BackpackingThe Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a well-known water filter used in the hiking and backpacking community. Aside from its widespread recognition, the filter has been in use and extensively tested for many years within the...
How to Choose the Best Hiking Daypack
How to Choose the Best Hiking DaypackAre you looking for the best hiking daypack possible? It’s essential to find a suitable daypack for several reasons. You want to be comfortable on your hike. You want to be free of pain. You especially want convenience while out on...
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.
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail Guide
Buttermilk Hill Beach Trail GuideButtermilk Hill Beach Trail is a multi-use, out-and-back trail located on Kinkaid Lake in the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois. The hike is around 7.6 miles. This is an out-and-back trail that requires you to hike a long...
Kinkaid Spillway Trail Guide
Kinkaid Spillway Trail GuideIf you haven’t hiked the Kinkaid Spillway Trail yet, you’re missing out. The Kinkaid Spillway Trail is a moderately rugged out-and-back hike of less than one mile located at the Kinkaid Lake Spillway near the City of Murphysboro, Illinois....
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...
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.
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for Backpacking
Sawyer Mini Water Filter Review for BackpackingThe Sawyer Mini Water Filter is a well-known water filter used in the hiking and backpacking community. Aside from its widespread recognition, the filter has been in use and extensively tested for many years within the...
GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?
GoPro Hero 12 Review for Hiking Vloggers: Is it worth it?Are you wondering if the GoPro Hero 12 would make a good camera for hiking vlogs? The quick answer is yes and no. It really depends on what you’re wanting to get out of your videos. The long answer is in this...
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....
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