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Pounds Hollow Recreation Area Loop

Shawnee National Forest, Illinois · 3 min read

Distance
3.5 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
April through October
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Swim lake with designated beach open in summer
  • Loop trail through oak-hickory woodland with lake views
  • Adjacent to the Rim Rock Trail for a combined longer outing
  • One of the most family-friendly areas in the forest
  • Good fall color around the lake in October

Overview

The Pounds Hollow Recreation Area Loop circles one of the few designated swim lakes in Shawnee National Forest, making it the most family-oriented hiking option in the forest. The 3.5-mile loop is easy and well-maintained, with consistent views of the lake through the surrounding oak-hickory woodland. The swim beach on the north shore is staffed and open Memorial Day through Labor Day, giving summer visitors a combination of hiking and swimming that is hard to match elsewhere in the forest.

The lake itself is impounded by a small earthen dam and covers about 25 acres. It is stocked with bass and crappie, and fishing from the shoreline is popular in the areas outside the designated swim zone. The campground adjacent to the loop has 55 sites, making this a logical base camp for families wanting to explore the broader Harrisburg and Elizabethtown area of the forest.

The Pounds Hollow Loop connects to the Rim Rock Trail at a junction near the recreation area boundary, allowing for a combined loop of 6.5 miles if more hiking distance is wanted. The Rim Rock Trail visits the ancient Kaskaskia grinding stone and the sandstone cliff overlooking the hollow a different character than the lakeside loop but an easy pairing.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: From the recreation area parking, the loop starts at the swim beach and follows the east shore of the lake north. The trail is wide, packed dirt through an open oak canopy. Views of the lake are consistent.

Miles 1 to 2.5: The trail rounds the north end of the lake and continues along the west shore. The west shore is slightly more forested and has a few more elevation changes. A junction with the Rim Rock Trail is marked at mile 2.

Miles 2.5 to 3.5: The south shore section passes the campground and returns to the parking area via the swim beach.

When to Visit

May through October is the main season, with summer being the most popular. Fall color around the lake peaks in mid-October. Check conditions for any seasonal closures or fee changes before visiting.

What to Bring

  • Water is available at the recreation area facilities
  • Sunscreen for the exposed lake shore sections
  • Tick repellent from April through October
  • A towel and swimsuit if planning to use the beach
  • A Missouri fishing license if planning to fish (Illinois fishing license required)

Practical Details

Flush restrooms, potable water, and a concession stand (in season) at the recreation area. Day use fees may apply (as of 2026). Camping is reservable through Recreation.gov. Follow Leave No Trace principles. See the national forest camping guide for camping reservation information.

Getting There

From Elizabethtown, Illinois, take State Highway 146 west approximately 7 miles to Forest Road 402. Follow signs to the Pounds Hollow Recreation Area. GPS coordinates are approximately 37.47°N, 88.20°W.

Trailhead Parking

Pounds Hollow Recreation Area parking lot. Paved lot near the swim beach and campground. Day use fees may apply.

← Back to Shawnee National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the swim beach open at Pounds Hollow?
The designated swim beach at Pounds Hollow is typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Contact the Harrisburg Ranger District for current hours and any posted advisories.
Is there camping at Pounds Hollow?
Yes. The Pounds Hollow campground has 55 developed sites near the lake, reservable through Recreation.gov (as of 2026).
Can this loop be combined with the Rim Rock Trail?
Yes. The Pounds Hollow Loop and Rim Rock Trail are in the same area and share a connection point. A combined outing of 6.5 miles is possible for hikers wanting more distance.
Are dogs allowed at the swim beach?
Dogs are generally not permitted in designated swim areas. They are welcome on the trail loop. Check posted signs at the recreation area.