The US Forest Service has created a Jackson Falls Recreation Area StoryMap for the public to read and comment on.

The StoryMap outlines a potential effort to make Jackson Falls a better place for visitors. For many years, it’s been considered abandoned with very little maintenance done. Over the years, many people have visited. I’m sure I’ve brought people there (and I’m proud of that, too!).

It’s a lot more popular than it has been.

The idea of making it an official recreation area can be a good thing.

In Today’s blog, I want to discuss my thoughts on a potential Jackson Falls Recreation Area and what I think would help improve it.

Please read the plan and submit your comments to the US Forest Service as soon as possible. Your feedback can help shape the area’s future.

Jackson Falls Recreation Area vs. Jackson Falls Right Now

Some of you might be wondering what the difference would be from what Jackson Falls is right now versus a Jackson Falls Recreation Area.

The main difference is attention from the US Forest Service.

Right now, the Forest Service does little to maintain the Jackson Falls area. It’s just not in their budget because it’s not a designated site for anything. They instead rely on volunteer groups to help maintain the area.

Groups like the Illinois Climbers Association and Backcountry Horseman of Illinois.

If Jackson Falls were made into a recreation area, maintaining it would become more a part of the forest management plan and more budget would be associated with it.

This would bring out bigger possibilities for improvement in the area.

My Personal Thoughts on Increased Tourism

I’m pro-tourism.

Some people do not like that. Tourism. They don’t want more people here. They want Jackson Falls and other spots like it to stay a hidden gem that only locals know about.

I’m NOT that person.

I’m for tourism. It’s my mission. If you don’t like me for that, I could care less. I just want that to be known.

Tourism means many things (and it’s proven, too!), including:

1. More money for underdeveloped areas
2. More opportunities for more people to see public land
3. More opportunities for local businesses to make money
4. More opportunities for stabilizing our diminished economy

Sure, you have to deal with more people, but in the long run, it helps local businesses and communities that are already suffering enough. If their suffering is not your suffering, it’s easy to misjudge and not care about them.

I recognize the suffering, and I think tourism is the answer.

What I Would Like to See from a Jackson Falls Recreation Area

If Jackson Falls Recreation Area were to happen, I’d love to see the following improvements and additions:

• The road is either graveled or paved from Ozark Road all the way to the end of Glen St Falls Road. This would improve overall travel and make it easier for people who live out there.
• A collaboration with those who live out there to have a voice and be able to get their concerns addressed. They do have to live out that way, after all. They should get a voice.
• Improvements to the trail and signage. I think the trail should be rerouted away from dangerous points and an easier way down (with the Dog Walk still being an option) established.
• Closure of unnecessary user trails within the canyon. Many people complain about getting lost because of all the user trails that are not official or signed.
• Collaboration with existing user groups, including hikers, climbers, and equestrians. All groups should have a voice and be able to continue using the area.
• There is potential for mountain biking access to the area. I think East Trigg would be a good point to establish a mountain biking/hiking or multi-user trail system in the area. If not done in the early stages, this could be something for the future.
• Designated primitive campsites that are fee-based. Yes, paid camping. Why? Because the area can’t maintain itself without some form of revenue. If a deal was made where a group like Friends of the Shawnee National Forest could maintain the campsites and get all of the fees paid, then all the money could go back into the Jackson Falls Recreation Area. That’s just some food for thought.
• Designated climbing routes and moving trails away from walking or riding under climbers for the safety of all user groups involved.

The ideas above would make for a better Jackson Falls Recreation Area. It’s such a nice area that we should not let it go to waste. We need to invest more resources and money in it.

Now, Over to You!

What do you think of my ideas? Do you agree with them? Disagree with them? I welcome all comments as long as they are respectful. I will not approve comments that are disrespectful in nature.

Thanks for reading today’s blog post. Please share it with others who might be interested.

Be sure to read the Forest Service Plan for the area and leave your comments as soon as possible because the comment period will end soon.

Please Support Hiking with Shawn

Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. If you would be so kind enough to support my efforts, you can do so by sharing this post with others, especially on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube Channel to see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for unique content that you will only find on those pages. You might also join my Southern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Group on Facebook, too!

You can also support me by becoming a Patreon Supporter for as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. Consider buying official Hiking with Shawn Merchandise as another way to support me. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps.

Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!