EAT-HIKE-REPEAT Half Day Trip

Fun trails, waterfalls, and starting and ending with great food. 
​Trail Difficulty: MODERATE  Approximate Time: HALF DAY
Tips for a great experience: 

• Big Blues Que's is not a full-blown restaurant. It's amazing.  Come hungry. 
• If you are wanting even more to explore- go for Bell Smith Springs.  It won't disappoint. 
• Bring snacks if you get hungry frequently.  Outside of the scheduled stops there are very few options.
• For Whiffle Boys call ahead until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. 

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The Sightseer/Winery Trip

Easy trails, breathtaking views, and ending with wineries. 
​Trail Difficulty: EASY  Approximate Time: FULL DAY
Tips for a great experience: 

• Eat breakfast at the cabin and leave early! This drive covers a lot of ground. 
• If you are snake fan, Snake Road is near Inspiration Point- walking traffic only during the great Snake Migration. 
• Bring snacks, there will be places to stop for grab-and-go, but this is a rural area. 
• This is not entirely intended to do all stops in one day- possible, but not practical.  Pick your favorites and come back next time for the rest. 
• Great places to eat along the way: Alto Pass- Peach Barn Cafe; Cobden- Downtown Abbey, Taqueria Pequena, StarView Vineyards, & Blue Sky Vineyard (Call ahead until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted)

Need more ideas?

SouthernMostIllinois.com
Tourism information for the 9 surrounding counties that claim the bulk of the Shawnee National Forest.  Jackson, Union, Johnson, Pulaski, Alexander, Massac, Pope, Hardin and Saline.

VisitSI.com
Website featuring Williamson County and 50 mile radius.  

Top 10 Outdoor Recommendations in Southern Illinois

1. Shawnee Canopy Tour (zip lining)
2. Waterfall chasing
3. Bike Tunnel Hill
4. Boating on Lake of Egypt
5. Kayak the Cache River
6. Swim at Burden Falls
7. Swim at Lake Glendale
8. Garden of the Gods
9. Visit the confluence (meeting of Mississippi and Ohio rivers) in Cairo
10. Horseback Riding at Giant City Stables