Hiking with Shawn Blog
Welcome to the Hiking with Shawn Blog! You can expect weekly blog posts featuring hiking, camping, cycling, and kayaking tips. I also post trail guides around Southern Illinois and beyond. You’ll also find gear reviews on the Hiking with Shawn Blog, as well.
Latest from the Hiking with Shawn Blog
The Hiking with Shawn Blog will feature one post a week featuring outdoor recreation tips, trail guides, and gear reviews.
30 Places to Hike in Southern Illinois During Hunting Season
30 Places to Hike in Southern Illinois During Hunting SeasonAre you looking for places to hike in Southern Illinois during hunting season? Firearm hunting season in Southern Illinois starts soon. During that time, avoid anywhere there might be hunters. It's respectful...
How to Plan Your First Multi-Day Backpacking Trip
How to Plan Your First Multi-Day Backpacking TripAre you hoping to go on your first multi-day backpacking trip? A multi-day backpacking trip involves hiking for multiple days and camping along the trail. It can be challenging and hard work, but it can also be a very...
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...
Shepard Point Trail Guide
Shepard Point Trail GuideHave you hiked the Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri yet? Despite being one of the shortest in the state park, the Shepard Point Trail is a rugged gem waiting to be explored. It's not just a trail for exercise and...
15 Southern Illinois Fall Color Spots for Fall 2024
15 Southern Illinois Fall Color Spots for Fall 2024Are you looking for Southern Illinois Fall Color Spots to visit this fall? There are so many throughout the region that it's hard to choose just one. But I'm here with 15 awesome spots for you to choose from or even...
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...
Happy Hollow Trail Guide
Happy Hollow Trail GuideThe Happy Hollow Trail is located at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Johnson County, Illinois. This trail, which is one of the longest and most moderately rugged within the park, is a favorite among hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Its...
Peak Refuel Meals Review
Peak Refuel Meals ReviewI'm usually a Mountain House Meals kind of guy, but I wanted to try something new, so I grabbed a couple of Peak Refuel Meals to try out on my last big camping trip. My wife and I went on our last big camping trip, which was to the Great Smoky...
The Shawnee Challenge Turns 3!
The Shawnee Challenge Turns 3!Three years ago this month, I came up with an idea called The Shawnee Challenge. I got the idea for it by seeing a similar challenge in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri. I was able to get approval from partnering agencies...
Latest Trail Guides
Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
Shepard Point Trail Guide
Shepard Point Trail GuideHave you hiked the Shepard Point Trail at Trail of Tears State Park in Missouri yet? Despite being one of the shortest in the state park, the Shepard Point Trail is a rugged gem waiting to be explored. It's not just a trail for exercise and...
Happy Hollow Trail Guide
Happy Hollow Trail GuideThe Happy Hollow Trail is located at Ferne Clyffe State Park in Johnson County, Illinois. This trail, which is one of the longest and most moderately rugged within the park, is a favorite among hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders. Its...
East Peewah Loop Trail Guide
East Peewah Loop Trail GuideThe East Peewah Loop Trail takes you on an adventure through the Indian Creek Wild Area of the Trail of Tears State Park in Southeastern Missouri. This trail is great for day hiking, overnight backpacking, horseback riding, and more. In...
Latest Gear Reviews
Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.
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 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...
Peak Refuel Meals Review
Peak Refuel Meals ReviewI'm usually a Mountain House Meals kind of guy, but I wanted to try something new, so I grabbed a couple of Peak Refuel Meals to try out on my last big camping trip. My wife and I went on our last big camping trip, which was to the Great Smoky...
Interested in Writing on the Hiking with Shawn Blog?
I am currently accepting guest contributions from outdoor enthusiasts and local businesses and organizations that are interested in posting on my blog. For the most part, guest posting is free as long as it’s non-commercial in nature. Just to be clear, I do not sell links. While I do accept paid sponsored posts from time to time, I reject around 9 out of 10 of sponsored post requests. If the content isn’t of the highest value to my readers, I will not accept it.
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