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Shawnee National Forest

Best Hiking Trails in Shawnee National Forest

104 reviews


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Overview

Shawnee National Forest is a national forest in Illinois.


Resources

  • fs.usda.gov
  • wikipedia

  • Hiking Trails (35)
  • Reviews (104)
  1. 1
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.0 mi
  2. 2
    Indian Point Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.0 mi
  3. 3
    High Knob Campground via Connector and Grindstaff Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.9 mi
  4. 4
    Ox Lot Cave Loop via Rim Rock Recreational Trail
    ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.1 mi
  5. 5
    Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead via Rim Rock Recreational Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 1.2 mi
  6. 6
    Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead Loop via Rim Rock Recreational Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.5 mi
  7. 7
    Devil's Kitchen Lake Loop via Panther Den Trail and r2r guess 28
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ MODERATE 6.7 mi
  8. 8
    Jackson Falls primitive camping. via Glen St Falls Road
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 3.4 mi
  9. 9
    r2r guess 11
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ EASY 2.4 mi
  10. 10
    Taylor Bluff
    ★ ★ ★ ★ DIFFICULT 24.0 mi
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    SuzDcmo 7 months ago
    High Knob the Rock Trail
    Best ride for water and technical challenges for horses. Took 4 dogs. GREAT RIDE!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SteepFog6739 1 year, 8 months ago
    Hayes canyon east
    It was a challenging ride with narrow ride stair steps to navigate. But the weather was only 80 reaching 83. So it was wonderful.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LightRiver7198 2 years, 3 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    There are two waterfalls to traverse. One into the floor of the valley and the other back out. If you have had any knee, hip, or back issues, this is a moderate level hike. Go slow, wear good shoes, and a hiking pole with a rubber bottom is better than a wooden walking stick. Great hike and view.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SuzDcmo 3 years, 7 months ago
    Little Lusk Camp Big Loop-Jose, Harts Bluff, Blanchards Crossing, Secret Canyon, Salt Peter Cave and Barger Lake
    This loop starts at Little Lusk Campground horse camp and takes you to Jose, top and bottom of Harts Bluff, Blanchards Crossing, Secret Canyon, Salt Peter Cave and Bargers Lake back to camp. It is 15-16 miles and takes about 6 hours if you are enjoying yourself, have a trail dog, and not rushing to get it over with. Many side sights to see like Eye of the needle and cave at secret canyon and more. Pack water and lunch and let horses rest at each sight and you will finish with a dry, unlathered, relaxed horse.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotHPack8975 3 years, 8 months ago
    No no rock from High Knob
    A great trail!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotHPack8975 3 years, 8 months ago
    Rice hollow whiskey cave from High Knob
    One of my absolute favorites! I think our horses love this one too! We didn’t go up to tee pee because we had a horse a little out of shape so we circled back and took the same trail back to river river!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EliteHeather2090 5 years, 6 months ago
    Hayes canyon, petticoat junction, Hayes creek ties, 493 back.
    We doubled back to 493, short ride if stay on 497 to 496 to petticoat juncty
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JohnMaldaner 5 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/26/20, 9:35:09AM)
    First Smokey solo ride!
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BoldStar9912 5 years, 8 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon
    Little Grand Canyon Trail is a fun and somewhat challenging trail. No Flip Flops here only sturdy shoes with a good sole. You’re going to need good traction as you climb down or up the rocks at the waterfalls. Little Grand Canyon is a loop trail where you decide whether you’re going to go clockwise or counterclockwise. The trailheads are located on different sides of the parking lot. The clockwise trailhead is located at near the pit toilets. Both directions have there advantages and disadvantages. If this is your first time here I would recommend the clockwise directions. Be aware no mater which direction you chose you’re going have to descend or ascend the sandstone rocks next to a waterfall. If there is water running these can be slippery. Some of the rock faces have steps cut into them and these can be slippery to. Going clockwise the descent down the waterfall is shorter. When you’re near the end of the hike you will be ascending the longer waterfall. The trade off here is the last half mile of the clockwise direction is all up hill. Enjoy your hike, but be careful.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    VastTree4918 5 years, 11 months ago
    Rim Rock Recreational Trail Loop
    Dr on i Kiki yxss z DC I job h joy in CT’s dr
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotThicket8741 6 years, 9 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    We went in mid summer. It was wicked hot but still a great hike. The only tricky part is the descent/ascent into the canyon that runs through a draw. The draw is exposed sandstone bedrock that can be slick at times.
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FairIsland6496 7 years, 1 month ago
    Nice easy trail. Fairly kid friendly . A couple small cracks and a little cave. Some good bluffs to see and climb on. A couple have access to climb down to valleys. Pet friendly. Wish there were picnic area and some bathroom facilities there.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    StillCreek6368 2 weeks, 2 days ago
    Thursday initial tree to Thacker hollow
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ZanyWind2130 4 weeks ago
    Dead horse Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Heidi Murray 1 month, 1 week ago
    Friday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ToughBasin6746 1 month, 1 week ago
    Friday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LittlePalm7662 4 months, 2 weeks ago
    Saturday Lunch Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BrightDusk8981 4 months, 4 weeks ago
    Thursday Lunch Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SteepRiver6092 6 months, 4 weeks ago
    Sunday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RosyFog9750 7 months ago
    Friday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RosyFog9750 7 months, 1 week ago
    Thursday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RosyFog9750 7 months, 1 week ago
    Thursday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GentleHolly5432 7 months, 3 weeks ago
    Sunday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GentleHolly5432 7 months, 3 weeks ago
    Sunday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WandaP 8 months ago
    Bay Creek, T001, Jackson Falls
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RosyFog9750 8 months ago
    Saturday Lunch Activity TK RANXH
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WandaP 10 months, 2 weeks ago
    Bay creek Ranch to Crow Knob to Bay Creek Ranch
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CheeryCloud3229 11 months, 3 weeks ago
    Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead Loop via Rim Rock Recreational Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EarthyBasin5327 1 year ago
    Shawnee Quincer Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    pjshappy2 1 year ago
    Hayes Canyon Day 1 ride
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Michelle Gonzalez 1 year, 1 month ago
    Secret Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    John Lillge 1 year, 4 months ago
    Bell Smith Springs
    ★

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    Mirranda 1 year, 6 months ago
    No no rock 185 high country initial tree
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Mirranda 1 year, 6 months ago
    Cowboy hideout rice hallow teepee knights of the golden circle
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Gunner 1 year, 6 months ago
    Golden Circle TH to Hermit Cave Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Gunner 1 year, 7 months ago
    To Secret Canyon the long way from TH
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Leigh Noe 1 year, 7 months ago
    Saturday Morning Activity
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    FeistyDaisy4684 1 year, 8 months ago
    Batcave q
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Greg 1 year, 9 months ago
    Rim Rock Recreational Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    MistyMoon2319 1 year, 11 months ago
    Colorado junction
    ★ ★

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    TinyGlade9882 1 year, 11 months ago
    Track (6/6/24, 12:06:32PM) one horse gap 2014
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BriskClimb2831 2 years ago
    Knob Hill Lane to Black Ridge Road, Eagle Creek, IL, USA
    ★ ★ ★

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    YoungBluff3545 2 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/14/24, 10:28:50AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ZestHarness2069 2 years, 2 months ago
    Track (3/3/24, 9:24:53AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HighIvy7373 2 years, 5 months ago
    Rim Rock
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jodi Lee 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/11/23, 09:05:30) All the bests.
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BraveHill5823 2 years, 6 months ago
    Track (11/5/23, 11:18:42AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    EarlyExplore2011 2 years, 7 months ago
    Horse fall gap
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    ClearDaisy2080 2 years, 7 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RichDelta8580 2 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/1/23, 10:19:46AM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    MistyCanoe6558 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/24/23, 11:30:29AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BrightBamboo2479 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/11/23, 9:22:12AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SilentGaiters6383 2 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/3/23, 1:33:56PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    StillHPack9225 2 years, 8 months ago
    Golden Circle Trail
    ★ ★ ★

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    LittleGlide7016 2 years, 9 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RareWatch6709 2 years, 10 months ago
    Track (7/14/23, 10:58:26AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotHPack8975 2 years, 11 months ago
    Double M to Blacks Cabin to High Knob
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JohnMaldaner 3 years ago
    Hayes to Foundation, José
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    loretta.maldaner 3 years ago
    Track (4/7/23, 12:55:17PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    KeenLily1515 3 years ago
    Lusk creek wilderness loop
    ★ ★ ★

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    loretta.maldaner 3 years, 3 months ago
    Dead horse
    ★ ★

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    jjtctg 3 years, 3 months ago
    Sand Cave
    ★

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    SlowHolly4197 3 years, 3 months ago
    Jackson Hole Backpacking Loop - Track (4/23/22, 1:04:47PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Jodi Lee 3 years, 4 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★

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    QuickSwamp8228 3 years, 5 months ago
    Track (9/16/22, 9:56:12AM) bay creek
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    GentleHolly5432 3 years, 7 months ago
    Day four Hayes Canyon Illinois
    ★

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    SuzDcmo 3 years, 7 months ago
    Shawnee - Little Lusk Lodge to Secret Canyon Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    SuzDcmo 3 years, 7 months ago
    Shawnee - Little Lusk Lodge 5 sights big loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    nancy1960 3 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/9/22, 10:26:15AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    CrispIvy2019 3 years, 7 months ago
    little grand canyon illinois
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotHPack8975 3 years, 7 months ago
    Rice hollow buzzards roost whiskey cave
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotHPack8975 3 years, 8 months ago
    Dead Horse Canyon from High Knob(5/15/22, 11:00:24AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    YoungWetland9512 3 years, 11 months ago
    Track (6/12/22, 08:58:43)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Vincent Paul Busclas 4 years ago
    Track (5/31/22, 07:50:20)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    BoldGlide2554 4 years ago
    Rim Rock Recreation Trail
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    LoyalWind3233 4 years, 2 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RichRedwood1712 4 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/17/21, 2:57:12PM)
    ★ ★ ★

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    Allison 4 years, 10 months ago
    Main Street to Straight Street, Eddyville, IL, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Loni 4 years, 11 months ago
    Trimming west loop with Sharon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    TallTundra3349 4 years, 11 months ago
    Rim Rock National Recreation Trailhead via Rim Rock Recreational Trail
    ★ ★

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    LightSwamp8100 4 years, 11 months ago
    Initial tree from Gradys
    ★ ★

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    HighFern6351 5 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/14/21, 3:14:46PM)rice hallow
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HugeCanyon9775 5 years, 1 month ago
    Track (4/10/21, 2:30:16PM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    NyxHurley 5 years, 2 months ago
    Rim Rock NRA
    ★ ★ ★

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    loretta.maldaner 5 years, 4 months ago
    War bluff
    ★ ★

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    ToughKnoll9764 5 years, 4 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    bscoleman 5 years, 7 months ago
    Track (12/6/19, 09:49:11)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    Andrea Harter 5 years, 7 months ago
    Double M
    ★

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    TinyGulch4407 5 years, 8 months ago
    Eagle Mountains, Mountain Township to Hitching Post Trailhead, Golconda No. 2, IL, USA
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JohnMaldaner 5 years, 9 months ago
    Track (8/7/20, 9:55:15AM)
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    JohnMaldaner 5 years, 10 months ago
    Track (6/17/20, 11:45:54AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WiseIsland4636 5 years, 11 months ago
    Rocky top and back to TK
    ★

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    Jeanna Tucker 5 years, 11 months ago
    High Knob day 3
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JohnMaldaner 5 years, 11 months ago
    Knights of GC Parking
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WiseIsland4636 5 years, 11 months ago
    Dead horse canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    WiseIsland4636 5 years, 11 months ago
    Secret canyon
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    cfd7400 6 years ago
    5/16/20 PJOC Topless Ride
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    HotLily4991 6 years, 1 month ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★

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    Mike Munie 6 years, 4 months ago
    Little Grand Canyon Trail Loop
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    RareCaving6591 6 years, 6 months ago
    Track (10/10/19, 3:17:04PM) Rocky Top to Lake to TK Ranch
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    TameTent4620 6 years, 7 months ago
    Initial Tree & No No Rock
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JohnMaldaner 6 years, 7 months ago
    Track (10/4/19, 9:16:56AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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    JohnMaldaner 6 years, 8 months ago
    Track (9/5/19, 9:30:07AM)
    ★ ★ ★ ★

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    DeepBinos4629 7 years ago
    High knob Illinois
    ★ ★ ★ ★