Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Photograph of scene at Bell Smith Springs, June 1941
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area Location in Illinois
Location	Pope County, Illinois
Nearest city	Eddyville
U.S. National Natural Landmark
Designated:	1980

Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area is a special natural place. It was named a National Natural Landmark in 1980. You can find it in the Shawnee National Forest in Pope County, Illinois. It's close to the town of Eddyville. This area is a wonderful spot for outdoor adventures!

Exploring Bell Smith Springs

Bell Smith Springs is a beautiful outdoor area. It has about 8 miles (13 kilometers) of marked trails. These trails wind through different kinds of land. You'll see tall sandstone cliffs and four sparkling creeks.

What You'll Find

When you arrive, you'll find free parking in two spots. There is a map at the first parking area. This map shows you all the cool features of the park. It also helps you find the start of the trails.

Getting Around the Park

Each trail has its own special color. You can spot these colors on trees along the path. The trails can be a bit challenging. Sometimes, the shallow creeks might cover parts of the path. You might need to walk through the water. Be careful when it's wet, as rocks can be slippery!

Amazing Natural Features

One of the most popular sights is the natural stone arch. It's the biggest one in the entire Shawnee National Forest. This amazing arch stretches about 125 feet (38 meters) across! You can find it on the Natural Bridge Trail.

The Giant Stone Arch

If you want to see the arch from above, you have options. You can climb metal bars set into the rock. Or, you can take a longer walking path that goes around to the top. Both ways offer fantastic views!

Plants and Animals

Because there's so much water here, the plants are very green and healthy. In the summer, some of the deeper pools in the creeks are great for swimming. It's a refreshing way to cool off!

Wildlife You Might See

Bell Smith Springs is home to many animals. You might spot bobcats, deer, and foxes. There are also turkeys and many other kinds of birds flying around. If you have a license, you can go fishing or hunting during certain times of the year.