Clear Springs Wilderness

Clear Springs Wilderness extends across 4,730 acres of limestone bluffs, natural springs, and second-growth forest within the Shawnee National Forest system.

The Illinois Wilderness Act of 1990 established Clear Springs as one of seven designated wilderness areas within Shawnee National Forest to protect natural resources.

The River to River Trail passes through Clear Springs Wilderness, forming a connection between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers for nature exploration.

The wilderness contains multiple access points with parking areas, though some roads close during seasonal snake migrations between March and November.

The limestone springs throughout the wilderness create Clear Creek, which flows near the remains of an early homestead at its junction with Hutchins Creek.

Location: Illinois

Inception: 1990

GPS coordinates: 37.58330,-89.41670

Latest update: March 4, 2025 11:35