Bike Shawnee

Shawnee National Forest & Southern Illinois Bicycling Information

Bikepacking the Shawnee

Interested in biking overnight in and around the Shawnee National Forest and southern Illinois? Check out these great Shawnee Bikepacking Adventures! Please contact me to get other bikepacking trips and routes added!

Mixed SOIL (Full Loop)

Mileage: 417-miles

Elevation Change: 28,000-foot

Route: Click Here

Creator Website: Mixed SOIL

This longer route would be ideal for those wanting to spend a few nights and days bikepacking through everything the Shawnee National Forest has to offer. If you want to see the Shawnee by bike, this route is for you.

Mixed SOIL (East Side Loop)

Mileage: 184-miles

Elevation Change: 13,000-foot

Route: Click Here

Creator Website: Mixed SOIL

This loop covers the east side of the Shawnee National Forest and can be done in a few days or however long you wish to ride it.

Mixed SOIL (West Side Loop)

Mileage: 240-miles

Elevation Change: 15,000-foot

Route: Click Here

Creator Website: Mixed SOIL

This loop covers the west side and is about half the distance of the full loop. Maybe do this loop one year and the east side loop the next.

Tunnel Hill Out and Back

Mileage: 90-miles

Elevation Change: 1,860-foot

Route: Click Here

Creator Website: Bike Shawnee

Start at Harrisburg and ride to Karnak on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. There is camping at Karnak right next to the trail. Ride back the next day. Out and back bikepacking ride – ideal for beginners.