Shawnee National Forest announces seasonal closures

The Shawnee National Forest has announced annual seasonal closures that will be in effect across the forest.

The seasonal forest road closure will be in effect starting Dec. 10. A free map is available on the forest’s website and lists all forest service roads and exact closure dates. The map is also available for free download at Avenza Maps.

Campgrounds that will close for the winter season starting on Dec. 15 include Red Bud Campground (Bell Smith Springs), Pine Ridge Campground (Pounds Hollow), Tower Rock, Lake of Egypt Campground and Johnson Creek Campground. Most campgrounds reopen March 15, except for Tower Rock Campground, which reopens May 1.

For those who enjoy camping in any season, Pharaoh Campground (Garden of the Gods), Camp Cadiz, Oak Point Campground (Lake Glendale) and Pine Hills Campground are open year-round.

For trail enthusiasts, remember that there is a seasonal wilderness trail restriction prohibiting stock use between Dec. 1 and March 31 that includes the following: Lusk Creek, Garden of the Gods and Bay Creek Wildernesses. Horse or other saddle or pack animals are not allowed in the three wilderness areas during the winter closure period. These restrictions are necessary to protect wilderness resources.