The Hike To This Gorgeous Illinois Swimming Hole Is Everything You Could Imagine
Catherine Armstrong
Author
When the temperature starts to climb, it’s time to head for the hills to find a secluded swimming hole, like the one you’ll discover at Bell Smith Springs in Illinois. This is a spot hidden away deep in the Shawnee National Forest, and you’re going to want to lace up your hiking boots and find the glorious Bell Smith Springs swimming hole.
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Have you hiked to the Bell Smith Springs swimming hole in Illinois before? If you have, we would love to hear about your trip there! What are your favorite swimming holes in Illinois? Please share them with your fellow explorers in the comments!
If you’re looking for more secluded fun on the water, you don’t have to search too hard here in the Land of Lincoln. Check out this dreamy cabin that has its very own beach.
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Bell Smith Springs in Illinois
What are some other hikes in Illinois that lead to swimming holes?
One of the best hikes in Illinois that leads to a swimming hole is at Matthiessen State Park. Here, you'll discover a waterfall swimming hole in Illinois that's positively perfect. The falls, known as Giant's Bathtub, empty into a cerulean-blue pool at the bottom, giving visitors a perfect opportunity to cool off after a hot summer hike. If you're hoping to bring a pet along with you, make sure it's on a leash. Afterward, stay and play some more: Giant's Bathtub is one of three beautiful waterfalls in the park. There are also park and picnic facilities available for group outings, making for an amazing day trip destination in Illinois.
What else can I do at Bell Smith Springs in Illinois?
Bell Smith Springs in Illinois is a natural oasis full of amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure. Situated within the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, Bell Smith Springs was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980 and is characterized by its incredible rock formations and beautiful streams. One of the most captivating features is a set of stone stairs that lead to essentially nowhere. Found along one of the eight miles of trail, this unique attraction is worth finding and exploring. The stairs are steep and stretch to the top of a rock formation that basically just stops...leading nowhere.