In Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a hiker’s dream. Trails weave through, beside, and beneath majestic sandstone bluffs, with towering trees greeting you at every turn. The scale and number of bluffs here outshine any other park in Illinois.
Trailbound’s new Getaway packs the best of the forest into 2½ days of guided hikes on the park’s scenic western side. We’ve handpicked the area that delivers the ideal combo of dramatic trails, cozy lodging, and tasty local eats—so you can focus on hiking, photos, and swapping trail stories.
What to expect
Seven or eight guided hikes over 2½ days, ranging from easy strolls to more rugged trails with some elevation gain.
Classic Shawnee scenery: massive sandstone formations, forested hollows, creek crossings, and hiking through caverns.
Local lodging chosen for comfort, meals, and easy access to trailheads.
One afternoon of free time to enjoy visiting farms, vineyards, or to go horseback riding. Horseback riding is at a stable that specializes in “horse therapy”, and their ride is suitable for all abilities. We were impressed with the quality of the stable!
Our stay is at the Granite City Lodge — a rustic CCC-built lodge with the classic National Park vibe. Cozy cabins, a roaring fireplace for evening hangouts, and the area’s top restaurant just steps away.
Registration cost covers:
2 Guides throughout the Getaway.
Amazing memories, friendships, and bragging rights.
Photos from your Getaway
Not included:
All meals
Lodging costs.
Optional Horseback riding fee: $70.00
*Hikers, please click the “+” sign below to fill out the Annual Registration Waiver, after you “Add to Cart” the hike purchase. Check out by going to “CART” in the upper right corner of screen.
In Southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a hiker’s dream. Trails weave through, beside, and beneath majestic sandstone bluffs, with towering trees greeting you at every turn. The scale and number of bluffs here outshine any other park in Illinois.
Trailbound’s new Getaway packs the best of the forest into 2½ days of guided hikes on the park’s scenic western side. We’ve handpicked the area that delivers the ideal combo of dramatic trails, cozy lodging, and tasty local eats—so you can focus on hiking, photos, and swapping trail stories.
What to expect
Seven or eight guided hikes over 2½ days, ranging from easy strolls to more rugged trails with some elevation gain.
Classic Shawnee scenery: massive sandstone formations, forested hollows, creek crossings, and hiking through caverns.
Local lodging chosen for comfort, meals, and easy access to trailheads.
One afternoon of free time to enjoy visiting farms, vineyards, or to go horseback riding. Horseback riding is at a stable that specializes in “horse therapy”, and their ride is suitable for all abilities. We were impressed with the quality of the stable!
Our stay is at the Granite City Lodge — a rustic CCC-built lodge with the classic National Park vibe. Cozy cabins, a roaring fireplace for evening hangouts, and the area’s top restaurant just steps away.
Registration cost covers:
2 Guides throughout the Getaway.
Amazing memories, friendships, and bragging rights.
Photos from your Getaway
Not included:
All meals
Lodging costs.
Optional Horseback riding fee: $70.00
*Hikers, please click the “+” sign below to fill out the Annual Registration Waiver, after you “Add to Cart” the hike purchase. Check out by going to “CART” in the upper right corner of screen.
Click the “+” sign now above to fill out the Annual Waiver (once/year) Thank you!
