Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area |
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Photograph of scene at Bell Smith Springs, June 1941
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 Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area
Location in Illinois
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| Location | Pope County, Illinois |
| Nearest city | Eddyville |
| Designated: | 1980 |
Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area is a special place in Illinois. It's known as a National Natural Landmark, which means it has unique natural features worth protecting. This beautiful area was given this special title in 1980. You can find it in the Shawnee National Forest, located in Pope County, close to the town of Eddyville.
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Exploring Bell Smith Springs
Parking is free at two spots within the park. However, if you plan to visit the nearby Redbud Campground, there is a small fee.
Hiking Trails and Scenery
Bell Smith Springs is a wonderful place for outdoor fun. It has about 8 miles (13 km) of marked trails. These trails wind through different types of land. You'll see tall sandstone cliffs and cross four different creeks.
When you arrive, you'll find a map at the first parking area. This map shows all the features of the park. Each trail has its own special color mark, usually painted on trees. This helps you know which trail you are on.
Some trails can be a bit challenging. The shallow creeks might sometimes wash away parts of the path. This means you might need to walk through the water to cross. Also, if it has rained, some rocks can be slippery. So, it's always a good idea to wear sturdy shoes and be careful.
The Natural Stone Arch
One of the most popular sights at Bell Smith Springs is the natural stone arch. This amazing arch is the biggest one in the entire Shawnee National Forest. It stretches about 125 feet (38 meters) across! You can find it along the Natural Bridge Trail.
If you want to see the arch from the very top, you can climb metal bars that are set into the rock. If climbing isn't for you, there's also a longer walking path that goes around and leads to the top.
Water and Wildlife
Because there's so much water in the park, the vegetation (plants and trees) is very green and thick. In the summer, some of the deeper pools in the creeks are great for swimming. Many visitors enjoy cooling off there.
The park is also home to many kinds of wildlife. You might spot bobcats, deer, and foxes. There are also turkeys and lots of other types of birds flying around. If you have a license, you can go hunting and fishing during certain times of the year.
