Shawnee National Forest Turkey Bayou Trailhead

This trailhead sits at the edge of one of Illinois’ most unique ecosystems — the Cache River wetlands where 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees rise from black water swamps. A wooden boardwalk leads into the flooded forest, while unmarked trails branch deeper into the backcountry. The parking area holds maybe 8 vehicles and gets busy during fall colors, but weekdays you’ll have the swamp to yourself.

Access is via gravel Cypress Creek Road off Highway 37. The road can be muddy after heavy rains, and the boardwalk sometimes floods during spring high water. Mosquitoes are brutal May through September — bring bug spray and long sleeves.

Ancient cypress swamp boardwalk access