Named by Outdoor Magazine as one of the Top 200 towns for sportsmen, visitors enjoy rock climbing, hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, and geo-cacheing, all among the rolling landscape of the Shawnee Hills. Illinois' largest expanse of wooded land, the Shawnee National Forest, is located in the heart of Southern Illinois. Its 273,000 acres are a major attraction for outdoor lovers, offering wilderness trails, archaeological sites, waterfalls, drives along the National Scenic Byways, swimming, bicycling, and so much more. Adventure seekers will find rollercoaster-like hiking trails, skyscraper cliffs and stunning natural vistas that will take your breath away. Whether you’re into extreme sports or soft adventure, the natural habitats surrounding Carbondale offer endless adventures.
