Hike Sentry Bluff and Natural Bridge in Bell Smith Springs Shawnee National Forest, IL

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This loop visits some of the highlights in Bell Smith Springs, a scenic area in Shawnee National Forest. I followed a loop that includes three trails within the area. First was the Sentry Bluff Trail, which follows both banks of Bay Creek. This trail leads to the Natural Bridge Trail, which features a nice sandstone bridge, and then I continued over to check out Devil's Backbone before heading back to the trailhead.

Note that I visited this area twice and combined the two hikes into one, hence the obvious seasonal difference in the photos.

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Heading down into Bell Smith Springs.

An overlook.

Along the Sentry Bluff Trail.

Along Bay Creek via the Sentry Bluff Trail.

Natural Bridge.

Devil's Backbone.

The next photos are from a summer visit. Overlooking Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area from poison-ivy filled trail.

Natural Bridge in Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area

Along the Natural Bridge Trail.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!