Shawnee National Forest River to River Trail Backway

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.