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.

How to Start Mountain Biking in the Shawnee National Forest

How to Start Mountain Biking in the Shawnee National ForestHave you ever wanted to see more of the Shawnee National Forest without having to quit because it's getting too late? Mountain biking in the Shawnee National Forest allows you to see more of what the forest...

Are You Carrying Too Much in Your Backpack?

Are You Carrying Too Much in Your Backpack?You could be making the mistake of carrying too much in your backpack. And that could lead to an array of different problems for you. It can create wear and tear on your backpack. It can cause your hiking gear to become...

Outdoor Adventures in Southern Illinois for Every Season

Outdoor Adventures in Southern Illinois for Every SeasonAre you looking for outdoor adventures in Southern Illinois? Maybe you’re more of a spring adventurer. Or maybe you like going outdoors in the fall the most. You could be a winter-only outdoor adventurer. And...

How to Train for Hiking to Able to Hike Anything

How to Train for Hiking to Able to Hike AnythingAre you looking for best practices for how to train for hiking? The more you train to be a better hiker, the better at hiking you can get. That means it'll be easier for you to hike longer and take tougher trails. By...

Hiking with Kids: Kid-Friendly Trails in Southern Illinois State Parks

Hiking with Kids: Family-Friendly Trails in Southern Illinois State ParksHiking with kids in southern Illinois state parks is great for making memories. Whether you're a parent looking for fun outdoor activities, a teacher looking for a hiking field trip, or even a...

Ultimate Bikepacking Gear List: Bikepacking Essentials for Any Trip

Ultimate Bikepacking Gear List: Bikepacking Essentials for Any TripKnowing what bikepacking gear list items you should take on your overnight biking adventure is important. There are many bikepacking essentials that riders typically forget to take, only to regret...

Mill Branch Trail Guide

Mill Branch Trail Guide Mill Branch Trail is one of the most unique hiking trails in the Shawnee National Forest. (Moderate – 1.8 miles – Loop)There’s no other trail quite like Mill Branch. This trail can be accessed at Bell Smith Springs in the Shawnee National...

How to Hike in Extreme Heat and Humidity

How to Hike in Extreme Heat and Humidity Would you hike in extreme heat and humidity? Many of you are probably answering with a no. That’s understandable. There are many other things to do around the house on hotter days for many folks. But some of you may need to...

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Latest Trail Guides

Check out the latest trail guides published in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.

Giant City Indian Creek Trail Guide

Giant City Indian Creek Trail GuideGiant City Indian Creek Trail is a short but scenic hike that is often overlooked by many people enjoying a visit to Giant City State Park. Like with most things with the word "Indian" in the name, this trail has some Native American...

Giant City Stonefort Trail Guide

Giant City Stonefort Trail GuideGiant City Stonefort Trail gives you a glimpse into a period so long ago that we know very little about its history of it. This short but potentially challenging trail features an ancient rock wall made by the very early-period of...

Giant City Nature Trail Guide

Giant City Nature Trail GuideGiant City Nature Trail is one of the most popular trails in Giant City State Park. The Nature Trail is an easy loop hike appropriate for hikers of all ages and difficulties. There is a lot to see along the Giant City Nature Trail that...

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Latest Gear Reviews

Check out my latest outdoor gear reviews posted in the Hiking with Shawn Blog.

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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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