3 votes

Hidden Springs State Forest

Strasburg IL, Strasburg, Illinois 62465 USA

Independent

“over 1,200 acres of land”

Hidden Springs State Forest (formerly known as Shelby State Forest) consists of approximately 1,200 acres of land near Clarksburg, 10 miles southeast of Shelbyville in Shelby County. The name Hidden Springs was selected because of the property's seven known springs which were used for drinking water by the early settlers. Over the years these springs have been covered over by natural situation and vegetation (hence the name "Hidden Springs"). Rocky Spring and Quicksand Spring have access trails.The entire forest area originally was planned as a state lake, but these plans were altered when the construction began on Shelbyville Reservoir. The property was assigned to the Division of Forestry in 1960 to be managed as a state forest. Following reorganization of the department in 1975, the property was reassigned to the Division of Land and Historic Sites. The area continues to be managed under the concept of multiple-use --- sound timber and resource management complimented by compatible recreational opportunities.

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Reviewed by
Greek_nomad

Road Warrior
401 Reviews
296 Helpful

September 24, 2014

Rated 5.0

Hidden Springs State Forest is a gem that every nature lover should visit. It is hidden from the interstates and traffic. Once you park your car at the available car park, you can easily walk through the park.

The topography of the place is smooth and easily accessible by everyone. The trees that exist ( mostly oak in different colors) are high and magnificent to see.

The ponds that exist on site are great for relaxing and fishing. My children became fishermen while me and my wife sat down to take some rest.
There are signs indicating that swimming is prohibited.

As soon as we finished, we went to the Big Tree picnic area which exists on site and had some lunch.

We really enjoyed this walk and we suggest it to people who really want to spend their time in nature.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Staceghost

3 Reviews
1 Helpful

January 13, 2015

Rated 5.0

This park is hidden, to be sure. Driving to it is a nice little road trip in itself, but the park is a real gem. There is an actual hidden spring which is quite beautiful, and there's plenty of hiking and exploring to do. I've been to every park in and around Charleston, IL, but this is one that I never knew about in my own backyard - and my dog loved it!

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