Shawnee National Forest River to River Trail Backway
Ancient trading paths through Illinois wilderness
The River to River Trail Backway traces ancient Native American trading routes through the rugged Shawnee Hills, connecting the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers via forgotten Civilian Conservation Corps roads and logging tracks. This 60-mile network of forest roads and two-tracks winds past Devil’s Kitchen Lake, crosses Pine Creek at three ford points, and climbs through the Bell Smith Springs wilderness area where sandstone bluffs tower 100 feet above the trail.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD for creek crossings and rocky sections, especially the technical climb past Millstone Bluff. Spring and fall offer the best conditions when water levels are manageable and foliage provides cover. No permits required, but dispersed camping is allowed only in designated areas. Fuel up in Harrisburg or Vienna – it’s a long haul between gas stations. You’ll earn views across three states and camp beside springs that have watered travelers for centuries.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 60 mi / 96.6 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1065 ft |
| Best season | April-May, September-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Harrisburg, Illinois |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the stated minimum and will get through in good conditions. Lifted rigs have more margin on the rougher dirt sections and after rain, but this is a moderate trail — not a rock-crawling build required.
What's the trail like in summer — is it passable or a muddy mess?
Summer is the worst time to run this. Illinois humidity plus clay-heavy dirt equals slick, rutted conditions, and trail overgrowth gets thick by July. Stick to April–May or September–November for the best surface and visibility.
Do I need a permit or pay any fees to run this trail?
No permit is required to drive the route. Shawnee National Forest dispersed camping is free. Some developed campgrounds in the forest charge a fee — check the USFS Shawnee site for specific sites if you want hookups or designated spots.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The trickiest sections are the water crossings after any rain — they can get slippery and deeper than they look on dry-season maps. The trail itself won't throw big rock obstacles at you, but narrow two-track, downed debris, and soft soil after precipitation are the real challenge on this route.
How's the gas situation — is 60 miles enough range to worry about fuel between start and end?
The route itself is 60 miles, but factor in access roads and detours — top off in Harrisburg before you start. There are no fuel stops along the backcountry route, and cell service is spotty if you need to call for help.
Trail track
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