Bell Smith Springs
I was a lil’ obsessed with the rock formations and caves throughout the trail systems (and Emmy enjoyed exploring)! Photo by Jordan Goebig.
Upon several recommendations from friends, we packed up our pup and Prius and made the 3.5 hr trek down to Southern Illinois to check this place out. Due to high temps in the summer, we usually wait to visit the Shawnee National Park area until Fall - Winter (we overnight camped in late November). It’s a much more pleasant climate for humans, and Emmy appreciates it.
Trail Conditions
.5 - 7 miles
To fully experience any of the trails, there is a steep decline, which means you’ll have to come back up. The trails are fairly primitive - consisting of natural paths of rock, moss, and dirt. The trails are marked by color, and they are fairly easy to follow. The online map does not represent a White trail that is available to hike as well. This trail does “end” at a point with signage letting you know that the trail is no longer maintained, so you will just need to turn around at that point.
We started on the Sentry Bluff Trail (2.7 miles) - a lovely introduction trail to Bell Smith Springs. It does have a fairly extensive water crossing - it might depend on time of year/precipitation in the area - but the rocks were very slippery and the water was about 1.5 ft. tall (ankle deep).
All of the trails interconnect, which is really convenient for longer hikes. I’d recommend downloading a map or taking a photo at the parking entrance to keep track of where you are.
Things We Love
The recommendations were spot-on, this is one of the most beautiful parks we have ever visited in Illinois. The rock formations are unbelievable, the trees are breathtaking, the water is a shade of blue you can only find in nature.
If you wait to go until Fall - Winter, it’s definitely less crowded and so quiet. We went out on a Saturday, and we only encountered other hikers at the entrance. We never saw anyone else on the trails. I suspect that many people go and just get about a mile in to see the caves and rocks.
Take the Red to White trail through the Old Grist Mill site early in the morning. You’ll traverse across rocky terrain at the top of a small waterfall. The sunshine pouring in over the forest will forever be captured in my memory.
The website says they have up to 7 miles, but with all of the wandering we did, we ended up doubling that amount. I personally loved the ups and downs, climbing, jumping, going through streams, etc.
Things to Know
There is a nearby campground with water and bathroom facilities (there are bathroom facilities in the trailhead parking area). It’s an excellent place to stay for easy trail access.
The road heading into Bell Smith Springs is fairly rugged. Drive slow, be aware of many, many potholes.
You will not get great (if any) cell phone reception, so plan accordingly. There are many other nearby trails, so if you’re going to be hiking extensively in that area, make sure to map it out ahead of time.
This is part of the Shawnee National Park System.
