Take the Shawnee Challenge, a self-supported, outdoor challenge allowing you to experience different parts of the Shawnee National Forest in the ways you prefer: hiking, paddling, on horseback or mountain biking. This challenge is not a stroll in the park. It is for those looking to get off the beaten path, and reconnect with nature. Many of the locations have limited, or no services. Part of the challenge is to ‘pack it in and pack it out’ – a ‘leave no trace’ adventure.
Earn points by checking into challenge locations to redeem a Shawnee Challenge sticker and sweepstakes entries for a quarterly drawing of a Shawnee apparel prize package.
WE KNOW THE FOREST CAN HAVE CONNECTIVITY ISSUES, SO EACH LOCATION HAS A 1 MILE RADIUS FOR CHECK IN, SO TRY IN DIFFERENT AREAS. BUT, IF THAT DOESN’T WORK, PLEASE USE THE ‘REQUEST SUPPORT’ BUTTON WITHIN YOUR PASS TO LET US KNOW WHERE YOU NEED HELP CHECKING IN.
YOU’RE INVITED TO VISIT US ANYTIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. IT’S EASY TO GET HERE FROM INTERSTATES 57 OR 24. WE’RE LESS THAN THREE HOURS FROM ST. LOUIS, MEMPHIS, NASHVILLE, OR EVANSVILLE. WE ARE EAGER TO ASSIST YOU IN ANY WAY TO MAKE YOUR STAY IN SOUTHERNMOST ILLINOIS MEMORABLE.