Sometimes you just need to get away. No agenda, no schedule, no obligations — just you, the people you love, and a cabin surrounded by one of the most beautiful forests in the Midwest. Shawnee Trails Lodging in Goreville, Illinois sits at the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, right next to Ferne Clyffe State Park, and offers the kind of unplugged, nature-first vacation experience that most people think only exists in the Smokies or the Ozarks.

Spoiler: Southern Illinois has been hiding in plain sight.

Right Next to Ferne Clyffe State Park

Our cabins are literally adjacent to Ferne Clyffe State Park — as in, you can walk to the trailhead. The park has been recognized as one of Southern Illinois’ most outstanding natural areas for over a century, and once you see the fern-covered canyons, waterfall trails, and unique rock formations, you’ll understand why.

Eighteen trails wind through the park, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to more adventurous hikes through slot canyons and along ridgelines. The 16-acre Ferne Clyffe Lake is open to bank fishing and has a scenic 1-mile shoreline trail. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to leave your phone in the cabin and just be present.

Shawnee National Forest — 289,000 Acres of Wild

Beyond Ferne Clyffe, the Shawnee National Forest stretches across 289,000 acres of Southern Illinois between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. It’s a place where six natural ecological regions converge, creating a diversity of landscapes and wildlife that’s genuinely rare. Nearly a million people visit annually, and the forest is within a six-hour drive of more than 30 major U.S. cities.

Some of the most popular destinations in the forest, all within day-trip distance of our cabins:

Garden of the Gods — 46 miles. Arguably the most photographed spot in all of Illinois. Sandstone rock formations with sweeping views of the forest canopy. The Observation Trail is short and accessible, but the surrounding area has miles of more challenging hikes.
Giant City State Park — 20 miles. Massive sandstone “streets” formed by natural erosion, a historic stone lodge (great for lunch), and some of the best hiking in the state.
Bell Smith Springs — 25 miles. A hidden gem with natural bridges, swimming holes, and a canyon trail that feels like another world.
Jackson Falls — 20 miles. Popular with rock climbers but beautiful for hikers too. Towering sandstone bluffs with a scenic creek at the base.
Little Grand Canyon — 36 miles. A 3.6-mile loop through one of the most dramatic landscapes in Illinois.

Beyond the Forest — Wine, Zip Lines & More

The Shawnee region isn’t just about hiking. There’s a surprising amount of variety within a short drive:

Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. Nearly a dozen wineries within 30 minutes of our cabins, scattered along scenic forest roads. Blue Sky Vineyards (10 miles) is a favorite, with a Tuscan-villa atmosphere and handcrafted wines. Owl Creek Vineyard & Cidery, Von Jakob Winery & Brewery, and Starview Vineyards are all popular stops. You can easily spend a full day tasting your way through the trail.
Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour — 9 miles. Illinois’ first tree-based zip-line canopy tour. Eight zip lines across 83 wooded acres, with the longest stretching over 1,100 feet. It’s a blast for families and thrill-seekers.
Lake of Egypt — 9 miles. A 2,300-acre lake perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and watching some of the best sunsets in the region.
Rolling Oak Alpaca Ranch — 9 miles. A fun, family-friendly stop.
Kokopelli Golf Course — 15 miles. Named one of America’s 100 Best Courses for under $100 by Travel + Leisure.

Our Cabins — Your Home Base

After a day of exploring, come back to a comfortable cabin with everything you need. Our deluxe duplex cabins feature a full kitchen, two bathrooms, a living area with TV, high-speed WiFi, and a queen bed — all starting at $159/night. Standard duplex cabins start at $129/night for a cozier, budget-friendly option with a kitchenette. The family cottage sleeps eight or more with a full two-story layout, starting at $169/night.

Every guest has access to the property’s shared fire pit (perfect for s’mores and stargazing), outdoor seating, a playground for kids, and free parking. And yes — we’re pet friendly, so the whole family can come along.

Book Your Getaway

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a week-long vacation, or just a couple of nights to reset, call us at 405-888-0997 or browse our cabins and book online.