The Waterfall Chaser: Bork’s Falls
Last month I wrote an article called The Waterfall Chaser. This new series called appropriately The Waterfall Chaser will focus on photos and videos from our local waterfalls in the Shawnee Hills. This first entry is a video from Bork’s Falls located at Ferne Clyffe State Park. This fall is on the separated section of the park. A high-clearance or 4×4 is preferred when approaching this fall. A standard front-wheel or rear-wheel... Read More
Notes from the Trail: Tunnel Hill State Trail
Breeden Trestel This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. These “notes” are usually written on the trail where insight can be at its highest. Sunday, April 18, 2010 I sit here with my back propped on a tree near a picnic table at Tunnel Hill. I have been waiting for nearly an hour. Waiting for my fellow bikers that I had originally started the day with. I still... Read More
Welcome Southern Illinois Miners Fans!!
Thanks to the Southern Illinois Miners for the mention on there facebook page. Make sure to join us on facebook @ ShawneeHillsOutdoors. Our focus is exploring the Shawnee National Forest and the State Lands of Southern Illinois. In the future we will be sharing trail descriptions, photos, and videos. Thanks again for stopping by and make sure to check back later for more info. Read More
Top 3 Gottados – The Natural Bridges of the Shawnee Hills
This is the third in a series called Top 3 Gottados (Got to do). This series will spotlight interesting and unique areas that everyone enjoying the Shawnee Hills should take time to explore. The last entry into the Top 3 series we looked at the Top 3 Gottados- Easy to Get to Wildflower Hikes. This week we focus on three awe-inspiring spans of solid rock, the Top 3 Gottados- The Natural Bridges of the Shawnee Hills. All three bridges are... Read More
Failure to Fail
Failure to Fail - by Gary Marks Perfect Day? It was one of those perfect spring days. Not to hot, not to cold, but comfortable for t-shirts and shorts. Leaves were just beginning their canopy growth. The sun reflected through the yellowish-green of the unfurling leaves. The goal that day was to take a stress free stroll in the “newness of spring”. The park being explored was Giant City and the trail being strolled was the aptly named Giant... Read More
Focus ON: Spring Growth
This series called Focus ON will be dedicated to the art of photographing our unique area. There are places in the Shawnee Hills that are visually stunning and if one can acquire basic understanding of how their camera sees the world, they will be able to walk away with visual memories that will last a lifetime. Our first installment focuses on the abundance of spring growth. Spring is an active time in nature. Energy given to us by the longer... Read More
The Newness of Spring
Dogwood in Bloom This last week the weather took a noticable turn toward spring. The temps reached near 80 degrees and people began to wake up and notice the outdoors. It seems as though everyone is coming down with that symptom that most enjoy, “spring fever”. One can not help but to walk outside and smile. The days look brighter and the feeling of renewal enters the psyche. Driving around our popular recreational areas one will... Read More
Top 3 Gottados – Easy to Get to – Wildflower Hikes
This is the second in a series called Top 3 Gottados (Got to do). This series will spotlight interesting and unique areas that everyone enjoying the Shawnee Hills should look into. Last week we looked at the Top 3 Gottados-Easy to Get to Waterfalls in Southern Illinois. This week with the warmer weather we will look at the Top 3 Gottados – Easy to Get to Wildflower Hikes. Each of these areas represent a varied and interesting collection... Read More
