High Knob Lookout: Shawnee National Forest Vista

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Discover panoramic views and historical echoes at High Knob Lookout in the heart of Shawnee National Forest.

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Illinois
Shawnee Hills
High Knob Lookout

High Knob Lookout, nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, offers panoramic views from the site of a former fire tower. Visitors can enjoy a picnic area and access to hiking trails, with the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era still visible.

A brief summary to High Knob Lookout

Junction, Illinois, 62954, US
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Monday 6 am-10 pm
Tuesday 6 am-10 pm
Wednesday 6 am-10 pm
Thursday 6 am-10 pm
Friday 6 am-10 pm
Saturday 6 am-10 pm
Sunday 6 am-10 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring High Knob Lookout.

Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.
Bring a flashlight to explore the caves and tunnels along the 105 & 105A Trail.
Pack out all trash, as there are no trash services available at High Knob.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.

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Garden of the Gods Outpost: Your Gateway to Shawnee National Forest

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Indian Point Trailhead

Indian Point Trailhead: A Shawnee National Forest Gem

Getting There

Driving

From Harrisburg, IL, take Highway 145 south for 5 miles to Highway 34, then take 34 south for 10 miles. Turn east (left) onto Karbers Ridge Road for 4 miles to High Knob Road. Turn north (left) onto High Knob Road, go 2 miles, then turn east (right) onto Knob Hill Lane for half a mile to High Knob Lookout. Note that Knob Hill Lane leads through High Knob Ranch/campground. Parking is available at the picnic area, open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Overnight parking is permitted outside the recreation site near the stone pillar entrance at the trail crossing or at the trailhead on the west side of High Knob Road where it intersects Knob Hill Lane.
Walking

If you are in Junction, IL, you can walk to High Knob Lookout by following the trails leading to the lookout. The hike is approximately 2 miles from the center of Junction. Ensure you wear sturdy shoes and stay on designated paths.

Discover more about High Knob Lookout

High Knob Lookout, situated in the Shawnee National Forest near Junction, Illinois, provides visitors with stunning views and a connection to the area's rich history. Once the location of a fire lookout tower staffed by the Camp Cadiz CCC during the 1930s, High Knob offers a glimpse into the past with the tower's concrete footings still in place.The lookout features a picnic area with parking and serves as a trailhead for interconnecting trails. The area boasts forty-foot cliffs, clear creeks, and a deciduous forest, creating a diverse and scenic landscape. The short, scenic 105 & 105A Trail loops around the base of the cliffs, showcasing rock formations, caves, and tunnels.High Knob is known as one of the best-kept secrets in Southern Illinois, offering some of the best overlooks in the eastern section of the Shawnee National Forest. The summit, reaching 922 feet, provides a wide stretch of lawn for visitors to enjoy the far-reaching views. The area is popular for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding.While the original fire tower was removed in the 1970s, High Knob remains a special place for many, with its blend of natural beauty and historical significance.