Shawnee National Forest, Illinoisfall foliage
No reports yet this season for Shawnee National Forest.
Right now in Shawnee National Forest · September
- Snake Road closed to cars · Sep–Oct
- Redbud Campground open · Mar–Dec
26days to the next fall foliage seasonusually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 12:16 PM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Frost near Shawnee National Forest
First frost usually in ~3 weeks
Oct 20Average first fall frost
Apr 19Average last spring frost
The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Elizabethtown station (11.5 mi away, 362 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Shawnee National Forest through the year
- Redbud Campground openNowMar–Dec
- Snake Road closed to carsMar–May
- Snake Road closed to carsNowSep–Oct
Best spots around Shawnee National Forest
- Garden of the Gods Observation TrailQuarter-mile to bluff-top sandstone formations
- Pomona Natural Bridge0.3-mile loop to a 90-foot sandstone arch
- Bell Smith SpringsEight miles of trails through canyons and cliffs
- LaRue Pine Hills driveBluffs over the Mississippi floodplain, 35 miles round trip
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Explore the Shawnee (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Shawnee scenic drives (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, LaRue-Pine Hills/Otter Pond Research Natural Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak fall foliage in Shawnee National Forest in 2026?
We don't have local timing for Shawnee National Forest yet. Statewide for Illinois: color is usually well under way by late October (USA-NPN volunteer observations, 2020–2025). That's for the whole state and isn't a peak or a forecast.
How is the fall color in Shawnee National Forest right now?
Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 26 days (usually well under way by late October, statewide (USA-NPN volunteer observations)).
Is fall a good time to hike Garden of the Gods Wilderness?
The Forest Service says autumn brings fine fall color and few insect pests.Source: US Forest Service, Garden of the Gods Recreation Area ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Shawnee National Forest?
Garden of the Gods Observation Trail: quarter-mile to bluff-top sandstone formations; Pomona Natural Bridge: 0.3-mile loop to a 90-foot sandstone arch; Bell Smith Springs: eight miles of trails through canyons and cliffs; LaRue Pine Hills drive: bluffs over the Mississippi floodplain, 35 miles round trip.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Shawnee National Forest?
Snake Road closed to cars (Mar–May); Snake Road closed to cars (Sep–Oct).
What is Shawnee National Forest like through the year?
Snake Road closed to cars (Mar–May), Snake Road closed to cars (Sep–Oct) and Redbud Campground open (Mar–Dec).