About Hiking with Shawn
About My Mission
My mission is to highlight the originality and uniqueness of the Southern Illinois region by promoting local businesses, organizations, and events through the advocacy and endorsement of outdoor recreational activities within the Shawnee National Forest and surrounding state parks.
Meet Shawn Gossman
Howdy, folks! I’m Shawn Gossman, the founder and owner of Hiking with Shawn. I launched Hiking with Shawn on December 12, 2016, simply for fun, never imagining how much it would grow and evolve. Today, it’s become an incredible platform that allows me to support Southern Illinois and showcase the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Hiking with Shawn has truly been a life-changing journey for me, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share it with all of you!
How You Can Support Me
You can support Hiking with Shawn by subscribing to my YouTube Channel. You can also support me by following me on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
For financial support, please consider leaving me a one-time donation and Becoming a Monthly Patreon of Hiking with Shawn.
Thank you for supporting Hiking with Shawn! It really means a lot to me!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking with Shawn
What’s the full story behind the creation of Hiking with Shawn?
In 2012, I faced a turning point in my life. I was out of shape, overweight, and heading down a dark path. I was cold, angry, depressed, and ignoring serious health issues that could have ended my life prematurely. Smoking, excessive drinking, and living off fast food had become my norm. I knew I needed a change, so I tried hitting the gym—but I hated it. As a last-ditch effort to turn my life around, my good friend Steve suggested I get a bicycle. Thanks, Steve! I gave it a shot, and on my first ride, I joined my mom for a 20-mile trip along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. That day, I rediscovered my childhood love for cycling. Thanks, Mom!
Cycling quickly became a daily routine, and I even invested in a road bike to push my limits. However, I rode so much that I eventually burned out and started slipping back into old habits. One day, while biking at Tunnel Hill, I noticed a sign for Heron Pond. I’d always assumed it was just a fishing spot (and fishing wasn’t my thing), but curiosity got the better of me. I rode over, discovered it was a hiking trail, and decided to give it a try. That day, I fell in love with hiking.
Hiking became the perfect balance to my cycling routine, helping me stay active without burning out. I started bringing my camera along to capture the beauty of the trails, sharing my photos on social media. Then someone suggested I try making a video for YouTube. I gave it a shot, thinking only friends and family would watch. To my surprise, people I didn’t know started subscribing, many of them locals. Then came the email that changed everything—a woman told me my video of the Garden of the Gods had brought back her forgotten childhood memories of the area. That heartfelt message made me realize the potential of Hiking with Shawn, and I began taking it seriously.
I registered Hiking with Shawn as an LLC and secured the national trademark, committing to treat it as a business. I upgraded my video equipment and started exploring more trails. Initially, I stuck to state parks and the Cache River area, but discovering Bell Smith Springs opened my eyes to the incredible beauty of the Shawnee National Forest. Using guides by James Baughn and Uncle Bob Tyson, I set out to hike every trail I could find. Both men have since passed away, and I deeply regret never getting the chance to hike with them. As I hiked and biked more, my health transformed. I quit smoking, cut back on drinking, and embraced healthier eating.
While my physical health improved, I struggled with loneliness, convincing myself I was destined to remain single. Even after addressing longstanding dental issues, I believed being alone was my fate. But life had other plans. One day, driving along Muddy Levee Road, I spotted a car with my Hiking with Shawn sticker! I later learned it belonged to a fan named Michelle. We eventually met on Snake Road, started hiking together as friends, and over time, our bond deepened into love. Michelle has filled a void I thought would never be filled, and now, I can’t imagine my life without her.
Looking back, Hiking with Shawn saved my life. But none of it would have been possible without the incredible support from all of you. You’ve been my motivation, my inspiration, and my community. From the bottom of my heart—thank you!
Is Hiking with Shawn a Business? Are their commercial activities going on?
Yes, no, and somewhere in between—let me clarify!
From the early days of Hiking with Shawn, I treated it as a business to motivate myself to continuously improve the brand. While my primary mission has been to share the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest and Southern Illinois with as many people as possible, some commercial and business-oriented aspects are included. Here’s how it all breaks down:
Free Content & Services
Most of the content and experiences I offer are completely free. This includes:
- YouTube videos
- Social media content
- Blog posts and trail guides
- Photo displays online
- Community-guided hikes
- Free stickers (yes, I give them away!)
Paid Offerings
To support my work and grow the brand, I do offer some paid services and products:
- Merchandise: Through my online store, I sell Hiking with Shawn branded apparel, stickers, and Shawnee-themed postcards (all approved per Forest Service guidelines).
- Guided Hiking Services: I am a permitted and insured hiking guide offering personalized, paid hiking experiences.
- Itinerary Planning Services: I assist visitors planning trips to the region with customized itineraries.
- Public Speaking: I offer both in-person and virtual speaking engagements for a fee.
- Outdoor Writing: I provide professional outdoor writing as a paid service.
Website Monetization
All content on my website is created by me on private property using my personal equipment. Therefore, I am legally permitted to run ads on the site. Selling ads here helps sustain the free resources I provide.
In summary, Hiking with Shawn is a blend of passion and business. While most of what I offer is free to the public, my paid services and monetization efforts help ensure the brand’s longevity and enable me to continue sharing the wonders of Southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest.
Does Hiking with Shawn use a drone? What camera equipment is used?
Hiking with Shawn Equipment and Editing Overview
At Hiking with Shawn, I currently do not use drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). While I respect those who follow the laws and prioritize safety, the complexities of regulations and personal safety concerns make drone usage incompatible with my brand at this time.
Video Equipment
- Primary Camera: I rely heavily on GoPro cameras for most of my videos, using the GoPro Hero 12, 10, 9, and 8.
- Specialty Camera: For Snake Road videos, I use the Sony FDR AX-700, which allows for close-up zoom shots without disturbing wildlife.
- Mobile Content: My iPhone 11 is a go-to for short videos and photos.
- Photography: I own a Nikon D7200 SLR, which I aim to incorporate more into my work.
Audio Equipment
- I use RODE external microphones for capturing high-quality audio.
Editing Tools
- Video Editing: Adobe Premier Pro
- Photo Editing: Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom
This combination of gear and editing tools allows me to create high-quality, engaging content while staying true to the safety and ethical values of the Hiking with Shawn brand.
Does Hiking with Shawn support conservation and ethical use of nature?
Hiking with Shawn’s Commitment to Conservation and Stewardship
Yes, I am deeply committed to conservation efforts and responsible outdoor recreation. I believe in preserving the natural beauty of our public lands while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone. Here’s how I embody this commitment:
Respect for Rules and Responsible Recreation
- I respect conservation rules wherever I hike, such as staying on trails in nature preserves to minimize environmental impact.
- I promote staying on marked trails and tread lightly when off-trail in areas where it is permitted.
- I refrain from sharing exact locations of rare plants, wildlife, or culturally significant sites like Native American landmarks to protect these sensitive areas from overexposure or harm.
- While I firmly believe in equal access to public lands, I advocate for thoughtful management. Restricting public access to certain areas while allowing select groups is discriminatory, and I believe such policies should be reevaluated to promote fairness.
Environmental Ethics
- I follow Leave No Trace principles.
- I regularly pick up litter, including needles, used toilet paper, diapers, and other unsanitary items, to help keep the environment clean and safe for others.
Volunteerism and Advocacy
- I volunteer frequently and serve on multiple boards that focus on conservation and outdoor recreation, including:
- Friends of the Shawnee National Forest
- Friends of the Cache River Watershed
- Southernmost Illinois Tourism
- River to River Trail Society
- I am also the founder and president of Friends of the Tunnel Hill State Trail, where I work to support and promote this valuable public resource.
Forest and Wildlife Management
- I support prescribed burns and selective resource extraction as tools for forest health and sustainability.
- I oppose clear-cutting on public land and the outsourcing of resource extraction to out-of-state contractors, as I believe these practices harm local communities.
- I advocate for supporting local businesses in southern Illinois when managing public resources.
Wildlife Advocacy
I am a strong advocate for wildlife, including the protection of all snakes. Every species plays a critical role in the ecosystem, and I promote understanding and respect for these often-misunderstood creatures.
Through these efforts, I strive to leave the outdoors better than I found it, ensuring future generations can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of Southern Illinois and beyond.
Does Hiking with Shawn support the Public Land Management Agencies?
My Stance on Public Lands and the Shawnee National Forest
Yes, I support the dedicated agencies and the hardworking individuals who manage our public lands. However, I firmly believe these agencies are underfunded and understaffed due to political decisions, which hinders their ability to adequately protect and manage these critical spaces. More funding, personnel, and resources are urgently needed to safeguard public lands for future generations.
Opposition to Shawnee National Forest Becoming a National Park
I strongly oppose the idea of transitioning the Shawnee National Forest into Shawnee National Park. While I value the importance of National Parks and the role they play in preserving iconic landscapes, I believe this change would negatively impact the Shawnee for several reasons:
- Strict Regulations: The National Park Service imposes strict rules, which can limit recreational opportunities and public access.
- Area Closures: National Parks frequently close areas due to weather or other conditions, which can discourage visitors and disrupt outdoor activities.
- Fees and Lotteries: Implementation of fees, permits, and lottery systems can make accessing public lands cost-prohibitive and overly complicated for many people.
- Forest Management Concerns: The National Park Service often lacks the experience or resources to manage forests effectively. This can lead to mismanagement, increased fire risk, and safety hazards for both visitors and the surrounding communities.
The Shawnee National Forest is best served by remaining as it is—public land managed for multiple uses and accessible to all without excessive restrictions or fees. I believe in improving the current system rather than making a transition that could reduce the public’s ability to enjoy this unique and beautiful region.
While I fully support the need for National Parks in appropriate locations, the Shawnee National Forest does not fit the model. Its identity and accessibility should be preserved, and its management improved under its current structure.
Does Hiking with Shawn support Local Business?
Supporting Local Businesses and Tourism: A Core Mission
Yes, absolutely! In early 2021, after witnessing the devastating impact of COVID-19 on local businesses, I made a significant shift in the mission of my organization. I prioritized supporting local businesses first and promoting tourism second.
Rooted in Southern Illinois
I was born and raised in Southern Illinois, and this region is deeply ingrained in who I am. I still live here and have no plans to leave. Southern Illinois is unique and vibrant because of its incredible local businesses, and they deserve all the support they can get.
A Commitment to Local First
- Free Support: For the most part, I support local businesses at no cost, helping to promote them through my platform and efforts.
- Part of the Community: As a local business myself, I understand the challenges and opportunities that come with running a business in this area. By working together, we can amplify the unique charm and economic resilience of Southern Illinois.
Supporting local businesses isn’t just an initiative—it’s a commitment to preserving what makes Southern Illinois so special while helping it thrive.
How can I ask more questions about Hiking with Shawn?
You can Contact Me any time you want!
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Hiking with Shawn® is a Registered Trademark of Hiking with Shawn, LLC
Hiking with Shawn is not affiliated with any local, state, or federal government agency.
