Shawnee Hills on the Ohio is in southern Illinois. It begins in Mitchellsville and travels south along the banks of the Ohio River to end in New Liberty. The byway follows OH 34, Karbers Ridge Road, OH 1, OH 146, and CR 1. All the roads are two-lane paved roads suitable for all types of vehicles. Shawnee Hills on the Ohio is about 70 miles long and usually remains open year-round.
Shawnee Hills on the Ohio travels through the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, winding through gently rolling hills and ridgetops before descending to follow the Ohio River. Shawnee National Forest preserves over 250,000 acres of hardwood forest, meandering streams, and placid lakes.
White-tailed deer can be found throughout the national forest and are most commonly seen along the forested creek bottoms. Alert wildlife observers may occasionally catch a glimpse of a wild turkey or two. Fishermen will find largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie in the many creeks and lakes throughout the national forest.
A short distance off the byway is the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area and Wilderness. There are eight miles of trails that wind above and below the bluffs and sandstone rock formations. The campground located here has 12 RV and tent sites, a picnic area, and drinking water.
Cave-In-Rock State Park has a campground with 48 sites for tents and recreational vehicles. Hookups are also available at many of the sites. A short hiking trail here leads to a cave that was once a pirate’s den in the 1790s. The cave was also used as the headquarters for outlaws and gangs.
Near the end of the byway is Smithland Lock and Dam, a facility operated by the Corps of Engineers. There is a picnic area for enjoying a lunch while watching the locks in operation.