Trails / Illinois / Shawnee National Forest

Lusk Creek Wilderness Loop

Lusk Creek Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest (near Eddyville, Pope County)

Lusk Creek cuts a sandstone canyon through the largest wilderness in Illinois. Wilderness.net describes ridge tops, deep gulches, caves, and rock walls up to 200 feet, with old-growth timber and spring wildflowers, and calls Lusk Creek one of the state’s highest-quality streams. The River to River Trail Society suggests a 25.5-mile loop through it, with “multiple creek crossings and the wooded slopes and valleys of one of Illinois’ most pristine waterways.”

Plan for two to three days, and plan around the creek. The Forest Service warns it can rise out of its banks quickly during and after rain.

The hike

The River to River Trail Society says its Lusk Creek Loop features “historical evidence of past use, rock formations, wilderness solitude, abundant wildlife, scenic views, and a section of the 158-mile River to River Trail.” The Forest Service also notes old homesteads, fruit trees, cemeteries, and abandoned roads in the wilderness. Wikipedia explains that most of the forest is second growth on land that was pasture before government purchases in the 1930s, with sugar maple and beech on higher terraces and hickory and white oak on the slopes.

The River to River Trail crosses the wilderness. Wilderness.net puts that stretch at 18 miles and calls it “the most wild stretch in the Midwest.” Wikipedia says the trail continues west from Lusk Creek to Eddyville.

At the heart of the area is Lusk Creek Canyon, which Wikipedia says is a National Natural Landmark. The Forest Service says the canyon is a state nature preserve managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and camping isn’t allowed inside it.

Indian Kitchen is the best-known landmark. Wilderness.net describes the 1.5-mile Indian Kitchen Trail leading to a prehistoric site; Hiking Project lists a 4.8-mile Indian Kitchen Loop with about 360 feet of climbing. Wikipedia notes the bluff top at Indian Kitchen is privately owned and closed to the public. In March 2025, the River to River Trail Society hiked from the Indian Kitchen trailhead down to the creek, which was running high over the rocks, and credited the Back Country Horsemen for recent trail repairs using logs and rocks.

Hiking Project’s list of trails in the area includes Trail 457 (5.8 miles), Bear Branch Creek Trail 405 (2 miles), and several shorter connectors in the Eddyville area. Wilderness.net recommends a map and compass because of the many non-system trails.

Horses use the area. Forest order 09-08-25-03 closes Lusk Creek Wilderness to horses from December through March, and for at least 24 hours after more than an inch of rain in spring and fall.

For the Shawnee’s best-known rock formations, see the Garden of the Gods loop. For a nearby loop with a lakeside camp, see One Horse Gap.

Tips

Watch the creek. The Forest Service says Lusk Creek floods quickly; don’t cross high water.
Bring a map and compass. Wilderness.net warns of non-system trails.
Carry or treat water. The Forest Service says there’s no potable water.
Respect private land. The Indian Kitchen bluff top is private, per Wikipedia.
Skip the nature preserve for camp. Camping isn’t allowed in Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve.
Check for ticks. Wikipedia lists ticks, rattlesnakes, and copperheads as River to River Trail hazards.

Camping

The Forest Service allows camping throughout the Lusk Creek Wilderness with no permit and asks campers to follow Leave No Trace and camp away from trails and water. Camping is prohibited in Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. Forest-wide, the 2023 recreation guide says primitive camping isn’t allowed within 150 feet of water or in natural areas, and the occupancy order sets a limit of 14 days in a 28-day period. Groups in the wilderness are limited to 10 people. Mechanized equipment, including bicycles, carts, and drones, isn’t allowed. There are no restrooms. Bury waste in a cathole 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from campsites, trails, and water.

Inside Intel: We didn’t find a camper account recommending a specific site. The Forest Service asks backpackers in popular areas to use existing camp spots away from trails, water, and bluff tops, and along a loop with this many crossings, choosing a camp well above the creek is the safer bet if rain is in the forecast.

Trail facts

Distance: 25.5 miles (River to River Trail Society’s Lusk Creek Loop)
Route type: Loop
Difficulty: Strenuous; many creek crossings
Campsites: Dispersed; not in Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve, not within 150 feet of water
Water: Lusk Creek and tributaries; treat all water
Permits: None
Group size: 10 maximum in the wilderness
Trailheads: Several around the wilderness, including Indian Kitchen, near Eddyville
Last verified: October 7, 2026

The Lowdown

Two nights of food for Lusk Creek:

A 25.5-mile loop with creek crossing after creek crossing burns through calories, so pack meals that are light and worth looking forward to. See what reviewers recommend.

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Where this comes from

This page draws on the sources below, along with other guides and trip reports. Links go to the original pages.

Before you go: This page is based on published trail guides, trip reports, and reviews, along with official park and agency information where we could find it. It’s meant to help backpackers discover new trails, not to replace current, official information. Conditions, closures, permits, campsites, and water sources change, and some details here may be out of date or wrong. Confirm everything with the managing agency and check current conditions before you head out, and don’t rely on this page alone for safety or navigation. Backcountry travel involves risk.