Shawnee Forest Country Southernmost Illinois The Shawnee National Forest offers hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and some of the best fishing around. You won’t want to miss the Garden of Gods – rock formations more than 300 million years old – sculpted patiently over time by wind and rain. Follow the popular Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods where breathtaking views can be found. Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour offers a 3 hour adventure through the trees with 8 zip lines and 2 suspension bridges. Breathtaking natural beauty and great opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park near Makanda is sure to delight. Check out the 82-foot, 100,000-gallon water tower with a 50-foot observation deck that provides memorable panoramic views. Visit Giant City Stables to arrange a guided horse back trek, or a pony ride for the kids. The Shawnee National Forest offers hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and some of the best fishing around. You won’t want to miss the Garden of Gods – rock formations more than 300 million years old – sculpted patiently over time by wind and rain. Follow the popular Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods where breathtaking views can be found. Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour offers a 3 hour adventure through the trees with 8 zip lines and 2 suspension bridges. is a 48-mile trail winding through farmland, thick woods, lush wetlands and a tunnel for which it was named. An old railway converted bike path, The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 48-mile trail winding through farmland, thick woods, lush wetlands and a tunnel for which it was named. Stroll, hike or paddle along the mysterious Cache River Wetlands, one of only 15 “Wetlands of International Importance.” Bring your own, or rent a canoe or kayak here. And don’t miss the floating boardwalk into the swamp at Heron Pond! Breathtaking natural beauty and great opportunities for outdoor recreation, a trip to Giant City State Park near Makanda is sure to delight. Check out the 82-foot, 100,000-gallon water tower with a 50-foot observation deck that provides memorable panoramic views. Visit Giant City Stables to arrange a guided horse back trek, or a pony ride for the kids. An old railway converted bike path, The Tunnel Hill State Trail Enjoy the rolling Southern Illinois countryside where you can sip your way along and discover truly surprising and authentic wine culture on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Stroll, hike or paddle along the mysterious Cache River Wetlands, one of only 15 “Wetlands of International Importance.” Bring your own, or rent a canoe or kayak here. And don’t miss the floating boardwalk into the swamp at Heron Pond! Enjoy the rolling Southern Illinois countryside where you can sip your way along and discover truly surprising and authentic wine culture on the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Bed and Breakfasts dot the region and are great launching pads for wine tasting, hiking, or biking enthusiasts. Cabins in the area offer a secluded getaway, some that are pet friendly and some with hot tubs. Bed and Breakfasts dot the region and are great launching pads for wine tasting, hiking, or biking enthusiasts. Cabins in the area offer a secluded get- away, some that are petfriendly and some with hot tubs. SHAWNEE FOREST COUNTRY – BREATHTAKING NATURAL BEAUTY AND ADVENTURE | SOUTHERNMOSTILLINOIS.COM | 1-800-C-IT-HERE 266103.indd 1 8/8/19 12:42 PM SPECIAL EDITION OF VUE MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2021 7
