State Parks and National Parks

The Shawnee National Forest embraces 273,800 acres of forested hills, lakes and outcroppings of sandstone and limestone in the southern tip of Illinois.

This "land between the rivers" is sandwiched between the Ohio and Mississippi rivers.

On the western edge of the forest, the LaRue Pine Hills area is particularly rich ecologically, with 1,150 plant species, 24 amphibious animals, 35 reptiles, 173 birds and about 40 mammals.

Many visit the forest just to admire the forest's distinctive landscape at Garden of the Gods Recreation Area, Burden Falls, Bell Smith Springs, Pomona Natural Bridge and Mill Stone Bluff.

Visitors hike and ride horseback on 338 miles of trails. Fishing, rock climbing, camping and picnicking are also popular.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Southern Illinois Regional Tourism Council.