Glen Street

While the name of this Forest Road might be Glen Street, it isn't much of a street, but rather a pleasant drive through the Shawnee National Forest with a cool place to visit. Jackson Falls is the highlight of the trail. For the most part, the road is gravel with rocks smaller than golf balls. Expect potholes, washboarding, and puddles if it has rained recently. There are a few areas with exposed rock beds and a couple of creek crossings. Past Jackson Falls, there are several campsites available for both ground tents and vehicle-mounted tents. The trail gets a bit rougher past the falls, but nothing difficult. There is private property mixed in with the National Forest on the northern end.

The water flowing over Jackson Falls is dependent on the amount of rainfall the area has received. Please keep this in mind when scheduling your visit. There are trails on either side of the falls; however, there is no direct path to the pool at the base. According to a pamphlet picked up at the Vienna, IL Ranger Station, a 3.25-mile round-trip hike on Trail 49 can access the bottom of the falls. The cliffs are 30 feet or so high from the top of the falls to the pool below. The trail from the parking lot is a quick, easy hike along the creek. Large boulders and small pools offer plenty to explore in the immediate area.

This place is a must-visit if you are in the area.