Bald Knob (5786 acres) Bay Creek (2769 acres) Burden Falls (3687 acres) Clear Springs (4769 acres) Garden of the Gods (3996 acres) Lusk Creek (6298 acres) Panther Den (839 acres)
* Total 28,144 ac. = Approximately 10% of the Forest Most include steep ruggid terrain that can be somewhat remote Provide areas of contiguous forest lands Contains 3 out of the 6 Candidate Wild & Scenic Rivers on the Forest 5 Wilderness’ have 14 designated Natural Areas The 158-mile River to River Trail passes through all but 2 wildernesses No wilderness permit system in place All Wildernesses receive illegal ATV use, pine stands as a result of the 1930’s CCC restoration efforts Trail Designation Project (TDP)
EIS signed 2006 and included 4-watershed area Three wildernesses (HSRD) – GOG, Lusk Ck. & Bay Ck. Implementation within the 4-watershed area has involved trail signing, trail construction, reconstruction & maintenance, trailhead improvements, printed maps and bridal tags for permitted outfitter/guides. Special Forest closure orders in place to regulate group size, seasonal closures to stock, wet weather riding restrictions and other stock restrictions (camping with stock, high-line areas and trail restrictions). Smallest of the 7 wildernesses- 839 ac. Named for the sandstone blocks, broken off from the main bluff, that resemble an animal den In close Proximity to Marion & C’dale North side adjoins Crab Orchard Wilderness (about 5000 ac.) Issues include – illegal biking and road access As So.IL. has increased in popularity with equestrians, Panther Den is now receiving some use by equestrians in addition to its traditional hikers River to River Trail Fingers of Devil’s Kitchen Lake reach into the wilderness providing boat access. Hiking, canoeing, and nature watching, especially birding are popular activities. Adjacent to Bald Knob Wilderness; (divided only by Hutchins Creek) Together they create the most expansive wilderness experience on the Shawnee National Forest Aside from the typical upland hardwoods, the area’s terrain consists of narrow, steep-sided ridges and deep ravines, with few overlooks compared to the other wildernesses. Hutchins Creek Valley, is wide and flat from the large volume of water that flows through the spring-fed creek. The area derives its name from one of the larger springs called Clear Springs on the north edge of the wilderness. Traditional activities include hiking, hunting and more recently equestrian use. Remnants of the Bridgeman Farm serves as a reminder of the rich cultural history of our past and provides a sense of discovery for the wilderness visitor. On upper west side a small portion of LaRue Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area overlaps into the wilderness River to River Trail Located on the east side of Clear Springs and about 1000 acres larger It’s the second largest wilderness Named after the broad high knob on the east side of the wilderness River to River Trail transects both Bald Knob and Clear Springs Wildernesses Contains more opportunities for loop trails than Clear Springs, however receives the same type of recreation use. Like Clear Springs Wilderness Bald Knob contains very steep slopes, occasionally exceeding 70%. Both are part of the Ozark Division; characterized by steep slopes, rocky bluffs and sharp V-shaped creek drainages. Burden Falls (20 to 30-foot waterfall), a popular point of interest for Forest visitors (south edge) The Falls is where most of the visitors enter this wilderness, the other access points are rarely used ..mostly by hunters and hikers Only wilderness that doesn’t have designated system trails Recreation use is mostly by hunters (turkey and deer seasons), although it receives some hiker and equestrian use occasionally Part of the Shawnee Hills ecological division it contains the typical sandstone rock formations Dry, thin soils on the bluff tops support red cedar, farkleberry, prickly pear cactus and blackjack oak Below the bluffs a deciduous forest thrives where oak, ash, maple, pine and flowering trees such as dogwood, redbud and wild cherry grow At the base of the bluffs numerous shelter caves can be found. Located south of Burden Falls wilderness (separated by a county road) Named after Bay Creek (a candidate wild & scenic river) It’s most outstanding scenic features are found along Bay creek Most of use is by hunters and more recently equestrians. Part of the TDP; has designated horse/hiker trails Is a little closer to private equestrian camps than Burden Falls - the area is beginning to see an increase in equestrian use. Receives little use (especially compared to other Shawnee Wildernesses) Bay Creek is ideal for those who seek a solitude wilderness experience. Located 25 miles south of Forest Headquarters Famous for the heavenly rock formations found in the adjacent GOG recreation area, unique and strange sandstone formations can be found inside this wilderness The wilderness surrounds the GOG recreation area on three sides River to River trails transects the area and several loop trails extend from the River to River trail. Approx. 15 miles of trails lead to popular scenic overlooks like Indian Point, beautiful rock formations (Big H and Noah’s Ark), bluffs and secluded hollows like Rocky Branch Hollow. There are three developed trailheads serving the wilderness River to River trail brings in visitors from nearby equestrian camps and cross-country hikers. Several vista’s offer spectacular views (especially in the fall) of the Shawnee Hills, ridges and countryside, making them popular gathering/resting places. Included in the TDP; Group size, trail and area closures and stock restrictions apply. The area is popular with equestrians, hikers, naturalists, backpackers, campers, photographers, and rock climbers.
Largest wilderness in the State. Varies in topography and geological features, ranging from broad, relatively flat ridgetops and stream terraces to narrow, steep ravines. Lusk Creek Zoological Area (also candidate W & S River) Rock walls along the creek rise 200 feet above the stream and extend several miles, forming deep, narrow gorges. In the heart of the wilderness is Indian Kitchen (a shelter bluff within the cliffs) The actual kitchen being hard to find, let alone reach; people now associate Indian Kitchen more for the unique hairpin curve in the creek and the beauty of the Creek in this area.
Included in the TDP --Group size, trail and area closures and stock restrictions apply. Designated trails system, including the River to River trail is heavily used by equestrians. Has the most equestrian camps nearby The Forest’s accomplishments in their use of primitive tool applications for trail construction and maintenance have been recognized in several awards. Popular activities include horseback riding, hunting, and hiking
“I believe we have a profound and fundamental need for wilderness – a need that is not only recreation and spiritual, but also educational, and scientific and essential to our understanding of ourselves, our culture and our place in nature.” -Howard Zahniser Principle author of the 1964 Wilderness Act Thank-you
Photo Credits Robert Monroe, USFS Brian Bourne, USFS Kelly Pearson, USFS Sue Hirsch, USFS Michael Jeffords, IDNR Ned Trovillion, Photographer