10 Great Shawnee National Forest Hiking Trails on All Trails

Are you looking for a good Shawnee National Forest hiking trails on All Trails?

All Trails is a free and premium phone application that shows you local hiking trails in your area with all the information you’d need to hike them. It also allows users to add new trails, review trails, and add photos to the trail pages.

While All Trails for free is very powerful, it’s advised that you use a premium version (pay for it) to download the maps, as most of the Shawnee National Forest lacks cell phone data and signal.

The following are 10 great Shawnee National Forest hiking trails on All Trails. I’m including these trails based on my experiences. Keep in mind that many of these trails combine multiple trails that were selected by trail users, not official public land management agencies.

Tips for Hiking Shawnee National Forest Hiking Trails on All Trails

Before you visit these Shawnee National Forest hiking trails on All Trails, consider the following tips to enjoy a safe and comfortable hike.

Pay attention to the difficulty rating and mileage, and only hike what you’re comfortable with. Easy is for beginners and those with limited mobility, while moderately difficult and rugged is for experienced hikers.

Check the weather before you visit a hiking trail to make sure it’s safe to go. I recommend checking the local weather on WSILTV, KFVS, WPSD, or the National Weather Service in Paducah. Read through the trail reviews and comments to get a better idea of how the trail will be in different weather conditions.

Tell someone where you’re going before you go. Print out a map of the area and draw a circle around where you will be hiking. This way, if you never make it home, your friend can share your location details with those who are searching for you.

Bring a battery/charger with you for your phone. All Trails uses your phone but if your phone dies, you might not be able to find your way back. Bring a charging cord and portable charging battery with you to keep your phone charged.

Bring more water and food than you will need. If something happens and you have to stay longer than you intended, having a good amount of water and food will ensure your safety. Consider bringing a water filter with you, as well.

Bring basic hiking gear, including a comfortable backpack. I recommend carrying the 10 essentials of hiking on every trail you visit. It’s also really important to have some survival gear with you just in case you need it.

Wear hiking-specific or athletic clothing that breathes well and wicks moisture from your body. Bring extra layers and rain gear if needed. Make sure you wear comfortable, broken-in hiking footwear.

After you’ve hiked the trail, make sure you leave a review on All Trails. Be honest about the trail and contribute as many details and photos as you can. Your review will help others plan their hikes.

10 Shawnee National Forest Hiking Trails on All Trails to Hike

Here are 10 Shawnee National Forest hiking trails on All Trails that I think are worth checking out.

1: Garden of the Gods Backdoor Loop

This is the ultimate experience if you want to see most of what Garden of the Gods has to offer. Camel Rock and Indian Point are cool, but you’ll see even more than that, including all the hidden bluffs and formations you probably never even knew existed.

This hike is a bit over 10 miles in length. It’s a loop that consists of multiple trails. There is around 1,400’ of elevation gain, so be prepared for some hilly conditions.

Aside from fall hazards when on top of the bluffs, this area is home to the copperhead and timber rattlesnake, so watch your step and walk a safe distance around any snakes you encounter.

Be sure to stop by the Garden of the Gods Outpost for Shawnee Forest merch, ice cream, camping gear, locally made treasures, food, and firewood. Shawnee Forest Cabins and Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins are great places to lodge nearby.

2: Lake Glendale Loop

If you’re looking for an easy hike, I recommend this loop. You’ll see beautiful views of the lake, and you could even add going to the beach as an option during the warmer days. A nice, refreshing dip in the water after a warm hike sounds like a lot of fun, doesn’t it?

This loop is around 3 miles in length. There is very little elevation and footbridges to cross the creeks.

Mountain bikers also use this trail. Snakes do occur in this area. There is no lifeguard for the lake, so please be safe around the water.

I recommend staying at the campground, which provides both electric and non-electric campsites. It also has a shower house for patrons to use. For dining, check out Shotgun Eddy’s in Eddyville and Diver Down in Golconda.

3: Dutchman Lake Loop Trail

The Dutchman Lake loop is slightly more strenuous than the lake loop mentioned above. However, the hike around Dutchman Lake will give you beautiful views of the lake, bluffs, and scenic areas along the way.

This hike is approximately 4.5 miles long. It is a loop that uses multiple trails and some unmaintained user-made trails. The hike is moderately difficult, with creek crossings and around 620’ of elevation gain.

During heavy rain seasons, this hike may be impossible due to flooding and deeper creeks. Snakes occur in this area. During the warmer seasons, many parts of the trail may be overgrown.

For lodging, check out Shawnee Forest Campground in Vienna. While in Vienna, dine at Ned’s Shed or the Vienna Diner.

4: Ripple Hollow Trail

Ripple Hollow is a great place for users looking for a hilly hike for fitness and a view. As you hike Ripple Hollow, you will see stunning views of the National Forest and challenging hills. The creeks are also great for rock and fossil hunting.

The trail is approximately 5.5 miles long and loops. It gains close to 740’ of elevation, and the hilly terrain can be challenging at times.

This area is rattlesnake country, so please watch your step. Stinging nettle and poison ivy also occur there.

Pine Hills Campground is nearby and offers very peaceful camping experiences and views. Check out Jonesboro and Anna for other lodging options and great dining selections.

5: Trail of Tears State Forest Loop

Trail of Tears State Forest loop is another great hilly route for those looking to hike for fitness. You’ll also see some great views and stuff left behind from the CCC days along this route.

This loop hiking trail is about 6 miles in length. This is a more challenging hike with nearly 880’ of elevation gain.

Rattlesnakes do occur here, and cell phone signals will be scarce. Please watch your step and prioritize safety.

The State Forest offers great campground opportunities for lodging. In fact, it’s my favorite campground because the sites are so private. Rustic Hideaway Cabins is also nearby, and we really enjoyed staying there, too. There are plenty of dining options in nearby Anna and Jonesboro.

6: Little Cedar Lake (Lirley Trailhead)

This is a great trail with a lot to see. It’s challenging and would be great for fitness hiking, but you’ll also see neat lake features, bluffs, and a diverse forest from all sides.

This hike is about 8 miles in length. It’s not a loop; it’s an out-and-back, meaning you’ll get to a point where you turn around and hike back the way you came. As I said, it’s challenging, with hills and nearly 1,200’ of elevation gain.

Snakes occur in this area. During the warmer months, some parts of the trail can be overgrown. Use caution when around the lake.

Lodging is available nearby in Makanda at Giant City Cabins or Campground. Makanda Inn also offers a luxurious lodging experience. Eat at the Giant City Lodge for an awesome breakfast and the best fried chicken the area has to offer.

7: Lake Murphysboro Loop

The Lake Murphysboro Loop is great for hikers who want a little bit of a workout but nothing too serious. You’ll see pretty views of the lake, diverse forests, wildflowers, and more. Most people probably don’t even know about this wonderful trail.

This loop trail is about 2 miles long and has very little elevation. Some stairs could be a little tough to climb.

Be sure to use caution around the lake, as there are no lifeguards present. Poison ivy does occur in this area. This trail is near Murphysboro, so be aware of a possible Big Muddy Monster sighting in this area.

Lake Murphysboro offers camping within the park if you’re looking for a place to stay. There are numerous places to eat and snack in Murphysboro, as well.

8: Godwin to Godwin

This is one of my favorite hikes on All Trails. The Godwin to Godwin hike is long and very challenging. You’ll pass through two wilderness areas and see Hutchins Creek, my all-time favorite creek in the Shawnee National Forest.

This out-and-back hike is around 20 miles in length. It is a hilly hike with nearly 1,800’ of elevation gain, and some of the hills can be very challenging.

I’ve seen more rattlesnakes in this area than anywhere else in the forest, so please watch your step. In the summer, the areas by the creek get overgrown and filled with stinging nettle, which burns when it touches your bare skin.

When visiting this area, there are many different cabins and rental houses to stay in. For dining, I recommend Mase’s Place when it’s open for the season.

9: Red Cedar Loop

Red Cedar Loop is one of my favorite places to go backpacking. It’s the wildest trail in Giant City State Park and features a campground in the middle of it. There are plenty of bluffs to see along this route, too.

This 12-mile loop trail starts and ends at the Giant City Campground. It can be challenging, with around 1,315’ of elevation gain.

Venomous snakes, ticks, and poison ivy occur in this area. Please use caution around the tops of the bluffs, as falling could be life-threatening.

Check out nearby Carbondale for a diverse selection of just about anything you want to eat. Carbondale also has plenty of lodging options. If you get a permit, you can stay in a primitive campground in the middle of the Red Cedar Loops.

10: East Trigg Loop Trail

The East Trigg Loop is probably my favorite hiking trail, or at least along the top 3. This trail offers so much to see, including bluffs, creeks, Jackson Falls, Millstone Lake, rock climbing areas, waterfalls, and so much more.

This loop trail is about 8.5 miles long and can be challenging. Its total elevation gain is about 770’.

Venomous snakes occur in this area. This trail is widely used by horseback riders. Please safely yield to them and talk to them in a normal voice so that their horses and mules know you’re not a threat.

There are numerous places to lodge near East Trigg, including Willowbrook Cabins and Shawnee Forest Glamping. For dining, check out Shotgun Eddy’s in Eddyville or get a pizza from Shawnee Mart.

Final Thoughts

I hope you have enjoyed learning about some of the best Shawnee National Forest hiking trails on All Trails. Now that you know what trail to visit, get out there and enjoy some hiking adventures. Just make sure you put safety first and follow my hiking tips above.

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite hiking trails on All Trails are. What trails in the Shawnee National Forest do you love to hike?

If you enjoyed this article and would like to support me in writing it, please consider making a one-time donation or becoming a monthly Patreon supporter.

Be sure to join my free online community for hiking and backpacking anywhere in the world. We’re trying to grow the forum and would love it if you registered to be a member.

Subscribe to my free monthly newsletter for more hiking tips, resources, and upcoming events in and around the Shawnee National Forest.

And until next time, I’ll see you on the trail!

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!