Shawnee National Forest: Cabins, Garden of the Gods, Rim Rock Trail, Pounds Hollow Recreation Area

August 2022, Weekend, 2-nights

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2
Amazing view from the hot tub!

Shawnee Forest Cabins, two-night stay in cabin #2

When reserving a cabin at Shawnee Forest Cabins, you need to pay 50% down, and the balance is due two weeks before the stay. We wanted to make sure we were going to be able to visit before we made our reservation, and the only cabin available when we made our reservation was cabin #2. This is a great place to stay; however, I would not suggest this cabin, if you have another choice. This is the least private cabin, and the yard is the sunniest. We did not use our picnic table because of the heat from the sun and the lack of privacy. If you have never been here before, it is difficult to discern how the cabins are laid out. I have included a labeled screenshot above from google maps to assist with planning. The cabin numbers are located on the front of each building, and are visible when you get directly in front of each one.

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2

The view from the hot tub was amazing, and many things were provided with the rental: towels and amenities for bathing, kitchen supplies, charcoal grill, and firewood. We brought charcoal, starter, and a lighter (a lighter is one thing we were surprised not to see provided) to use with the charcoal grill. We also brought coffee to use with the provided coffee pot. Although dish soap had been provided, there was no kitchen cloth or towel when we arrived. We received an email to check on us the first morning, and when I answered that, I mentioned that I was surprised we did not have kitchen cloths. These were apparently supposed to have been provided, as someone brought me the supplies within an hour.

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2
Bottom photo shows cabin 2 fire pit and table, and cabin 1 beyond

The cabin was comfortable and clean for the most part, although there were a few areas of housekeeping neglect. The door mat and steps into the whirlpool tub were dirty, and there were many cobwebs over our heads in the tub/porch area. 

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2

The bedding was clean, and the whirlpool tub was clean. We could faintly smell the sterilizer from the floating dispenser in the tub. The scent was not overpowering; it was clean smelling.

 

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2
Excellent view when looking directly toward back and trees

I have included one more photo below to show the side yard area for cabin 2. The sitting area for cabin 1 is on the other side and in the back.

Shawnee Forest Cabin #2 outside yard

See the next section for area information near Shawnee Forest Cabins.

Rim Rock Trail in Shawnee Forest

Recreation and surrounding area

Rim Rock Trail is just a few miles from Shawnee Forest Cabins on the same road. We were the only hikers on Saturday morning. Part of the trail was closed for renovations, so we did not get to hike all of the sections. This is a fairly easy stone path trail with a few steps to climb. There is an upper and lower portion.

Rim Rock Trail in Shawnee Forest

There is a connector trail between Rim Rock Trail and Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. The next time we visit, we are planning to camp at Pounds Hollow and hike the connector, as well as the portions we missed at Rim Rock.   

Trail map at Rim Rock in Shawnee Forest
and Pounds Hollow below

High Knob is a short distance off Karbers Ridge Road. It looks like you are entering a campground when you get close; just continue past the campground, and up the steep gravel road to get to the top.

High Knob in Shawnee Forest

There is a hiking trail at High Knob, although we did not hike this trail. The drive after you pass the campground is quite steep, and the road is not very wide. I was glad we did not pass anyone else on the road on the way in or out.

Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest

Garden of the Gods is very close to our cabin, so we chose to visit this location last. It was quite busy, and it probably would have been better to visit it first, rather than last.

Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest

It is easy to walk all the areas in this National Park, and it is beautiful. There is a primitive campground, picnic area, and hiking trails, as well.

Garden of the Gods in Shawnee National Forest

Shawnee National Forest in huge, and this post does not even begin to touch on the beauty there is to see. Let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to share the post.