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Hidden Springs State Forest
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State Park Overview |
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Nature of the Area |
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TerrainThe forest ownership consists of three separate tracts covering portions of eight sections of land. The terrain varies from flat bottomland areas along Richland Creek (which flows diagonally from northeast to southwest the entire length of the forest) to relatively steep hillsides. Generally the topography is gently rolling and broken by small draws and streams.
TreesNative trees in the forest include white, red, black, bur, post, pin, shingle and chinquapin oaks ash hickory sugar maple sycamore silver maple black walnut and cottonwood. Plantations of native and introduced species include white, red and scotch pine red cedar sweet gum, butterjaps tulip poplar black locust and cottonwoods. In addition, many other shrubs and minor individual species of trees are located throughout the forest.
Timber Management
A white pine and a scotch pine seed orchard are managed for the production of superior seed for use at the state tree nurseries. White pine coves are collected in August before the cones open and the seeds are allowed to fall out. Volunteer groups help collect scotch pine cones during the fall. Many different types of seeds and nuts are collected throughout the forest and sent to the state nurseries for processing and planting.
Thinning of some of the many pine plantations has begun, with the thinned areas being used for wildlife food and cover plantings. Eliminated trees are "chipped" and the shredded wood is spread on the forest trails. A demonstration pine management area shows the desired thinning and pruning process to be carried out in the pine plantations.
Management aims also include the growing of hardwoods, such as oak and blackwalnut. A forest improvement demonstration area shows the types of trees which would be removed in properly managed woodlands. Several areas are being managed for black walnut production using corrective pruning and vegetation control. Six experimental burn plots are maintained to show the effects of woods fire.
Some of the forest property, when first acquired, showed the detrimental effects of erosion. Immediate steps were initiated to reduce the ravages to the topsoil. Reforestation, terracing, grass seeding, sodding and toe wall construction are practices in use at Hidden Springs to stabilize the soil. Close cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service?s technical personnel has been beneficial. |
Camping |
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Trails |
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Possum Hollow Nature Trail, 3/4 mile in length, provides access to Park Pond and the pine seed orchard. Trail guides, available at the headquarters, campground, and picnic area, guide the visitor to the 35 interpretive stations. The Big Tree Trail, one mile in length, features a sycamore 78 inches in diameter, one of the largest to be found in Illinois. Rocky Spring Trail, three miles in length, includes Rocky Spring, a forest improvement area, walnut production areas and varied land and vegetation types. Seventeen miles of fire lanes also provide access to remote areas of the forest. Your cooperation in keeping both motorcycles and horses off foot trails and fire lanes is appreciated.
A pleasurable and peaceful forest environment awaits the visitor. A bird check list is available at the headquarters to those who come to enjoy the many songbirds on the area. Flowers and mushrooms grow prolifically throughout the forest. |
Picnicking |
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Fishing and Hunting |
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Fishing
Five fishing ponds, two accessible by vehicle, the other three by foot only, are found on the forest property. Fish stocked are bass, bluegill, redear and channel catfish. Richland Creek flows the length of the forest but fishing opportunities are negligible. Swimming anywhere on forest property is strictly prohibited.
Hunting
Except for the 240 acres where the headquarters, campground and Rolling Meadows picnic area are located, the entire area is open to hunting. Only shotgun and bow and arrow are permitted. Hunting fact sheets and maps concerning species and times are available at 10 hunter parking lots or the forest headquarters. Hunters are required to complete hunter survey cards for each hunting trip. Please consult the forest superintendent if in question about boundaries, hours, or any other aspect of the hunting program. Wildlife food plots, providing habitat for the varied wildlife population are scattered throughout the area. |
History of the Area |
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The name Hidden Springs was selected to designate this particular state forest because of the seven known springs on the property which were used for drinking water by the early settlers. Over the years these springs have been covered over by natural siltation and vegetation (hence the name "Hidden Springs"). Rocky Spring and Quicksand Spring have access trails.
The entire forest area was originally planned as a state lake. These plans were altered when the construction of Shelbyville Reservoir began. The property was then assigned to the Division of Forestry in 1960 to be managed as a state forest. Following reorganization of the department in 1975 the property was reassigned to the Division of Land and Historic Sites. The area continues to be managed under the concept of multiple-use --- sound timber and resource management complimented by compatible recreational opportunities. |
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More Info | |
DNR ... Recreation Publications Research/Surveys State Museums Search DNR Illinois [IL Search Tips] Hidden SpringsState Forest East-Central Region R.R. 1, Box 200 Strasburg, IL 62465 217.644.3091 E ... | |
Provide information about Shelbyville,IL. to visitors, tourist, shoppers. ... photo safari in one of the state parks of Hidden Springs State Forest. Deer, birds, and small game are plentiful. 2. Take a ... |
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Hidden Springs State Forest
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