When most people think of Illinois, the Chicago skyline or seemingly endless cornfields of central Illinois are the images that usually come to mind. However, at the far southern end of the state the land shifts from flat farmland to rugged hills. Sometimes called the Illinois Ozarks or Shawnee Hills, it is here where the glaciers stopped their southward movement and left some of the most scenic areas of the Midwest. The Shawnee National Forest covers more than 270,000 acres in parts of ten counties in southern Illinois. The National Forest Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources maintain dozens of natural areas for recreational use and several wilderness areas. Many people, including some that have lived nearby for years, are surprised how rugged and diverse the landscape is once you leave the highway. After all, North America's largest sandstone cave and northernmost cypress wetlands are here. From the 90 foot Pomona Natural Bridge to the remains of a Mississippian Native American village at Millstone Bluff, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails to choose from. Trails range in length from the 150+ mile River to River Trail that runs between Battery Rock on the Ohio River and Devil's Backbone on the Mississippi River, to the easy one-fourth mile Observation Trail at Garden of the Gods. This site will introduce some of the best trails and to give all the information you need to get there. CAUTION: Extreme caution should be taken when hiking near cliffs and unstable rock formations.  Many of these trails are along or nearby cliffs that are in excess of 50 feet.  Hikers should wear appropriate clothing and footwear, bring essential first aid supplies, insect repellent and topographical maps if hiking off the marked trails. REMEMBER: These trails are for public use.  Whatever items you pack into the natural areas, pack them out.  Properly dispose of trash if possible or it also should be packed out.  It is your responsibility to help keep these natural areas clean.