Hidden Springs State Forest (formerly known as Shelby State Forest) consists of approximately 1,200 acres of land near Clarksburg, 10 miles southeast of Shelbyville in Shelby County.

History

The entire forest area originally was planned as a state lake, but these plans were altered when the construction began on Shelbyville Reservoir. The property was assigned to the Division of Forestry in 1960 to be managed as a state forest. Following reorganization of the department in 1975, the property was reassigned to the Division of Land and Historic Sites. The area continues to be managed under the concept of multiple-use --- sound timber and resource management complimented by compatible recreational opportunities.

Terrain

Trees

Native trees in the forest include white, red, black, bur, post, pin, shingle and chinquapin oaks; ash; hickory; sugar and silver maple; sycamore; black walnut; and cottonwood. Plantations of native and introduced species include white, red and scotch pine; red cedar; sweet gum, butternut; tulip poplar; black locust; and cottonwood. In addition, many other shrubs and minor individual species of trees are located throughout the forest.

Timber Management

White and scotch pine seed orchards are managed for the production of superior seed for use at the state tree nurseries. White pine cones are collected in August before the cones open and the seeds are allowed to fall out. Volunteer groups help collect scotch pine cones in the fall. Many different types of seeds and nuts are collected throughout the forest and sent to the state nurseries for processing and planting.

Thinning of some of the pine plantations has begun, with the thinned areas used for wildlife food and cover plantings. Eliminated trees are "chipped" and the shredded wood is spread on the forest trails. A demonstration pine management area shows the desired thinning and pruning process to be carried out in a pine plantation.

Management goals also include the growing of hardwoods, such as oak and black walnut. A forest improvement demonstration area shows the types of trees which would be removed in properly managed woodlands. Several areas are being managed for black walnut production using corrective pruning and vegetation control. Six experimental burn plots are maintained to show the effects of prescribed fire in a wood.

Some of the forest property, when first acquired, showed the detrimental effects of erosion. Immediate steps were initiated to reduce the ravages to the topsoil. Reforestation, terracing, grass seeding, sodding and toe wall construction are practices in use at Hidden Springs to stabilize the soil. Close cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service’s technical personnel has been beneficial.

Picnicking

Camping

Reservations are accepted.  Possum Creek, a Class "C" campground, includes drinking water, privies, sanitary disposal station, pedestal stoves, fire blocks and a fire ring. Campers may set up camp on the site of their choice. Forest staff issue permits on routine rounds. Shady Grove Campground accommodates groups by reservation only. Ground fires in both areas are allowed only in the fire rings provided.

Fishing  

Five fishing ponds, two accessible by vehicle, the other three by foot only, are found on the forest property. Fish stocked are bass, bluegill, redear and channel catfish. Richland Creek flows the length of the forest but fishing opportunities are negligible. Swimming on forest property is prohibited.

Hiking  

Possum Hollow Nature Trail, 3/4 mile in length, provides access to Park Pond and the pine seed orchard. Trail guides, available at the headquarters, campground and picnic area, guide the visitor to the 35 interpretive stations. The Big Tree Trail, 1 mile in length, features a sycamore 78 inches in diameter, one of the largest in Illinois. Rocky Spring Trail, 3 miles in length, includes Rocky Spring, a forest improvement area, walnut production areas and varied land and vegetation types. Seventeen miles of fire lanes also provide access to remote areas of the forest. Your cooperation in keeping both motorcycles and horses off foot trails and fire lanes is appreciated.

A pleasurable and peaceful forest environment awaits the visitor. A bird check list is available at the headquarters to those who come to enjoy the many songbirds on the area. Flowers and mushrooms grow prolifically throughout the forest.

Hunting  

Except for the 240 acres where the headquarters, campground and Rolling Meadows picnic area are located, the entire area is open to hunting. Only shotgun and bow and arrow are permitted. Hunting fact sheets and maps are available at 10 hunter parking lots or the forest headquarters. Hunters are required to complete hunter survey cards for each hunting trip. Consult the forest superintendent if in question about boundaries, hours, or any other aspect of the hunting program. Wildlife food plots, providing habitat for the varied wildlife population, are scattered throughout the area. Hunter Fact Sheet

Surrounding Area

Many local attractions surroundi Hidden Springs State Forest. Please visit the Lake Shelbyville Visitor's Bureau website for details.

Directions

Direction to Hidden Springs State Forest. From Interstate 57 .Get off of I57 at Mattoon Exit Go west on Route 16 thru Mattoon, continue on Route 16 west thru the town of Gays , through the next town of Windsor. Two miles west of Windsor Route 16 Junctions with 32 South.  Turn left on 32 . Go 4 miles through the town of Strasburg Proceed 2 miles , turn right off of Route 32 Brown Information signs for Hidden Springs. 4 miles on this road you will be at drive to the office of Hidden Springs State Forest.

Please  This area is for all to enjoy. Keep all vehicles on gravel roads, pads, or parking lots. Put all litter in the nearest available trash container. No plants, flowers, shrubs, or trees may be removed or damaged. Always be careful with any type of fire and report fires to the forest headquarters as soon as possible. If you need help, or have a question, feel free to contact the forest superintendent.