Jackson Falls

Jackson Falls offers many opportunities for technical climbing and is a beautiful scenic area on the Shawnee National forest. To reach Jackson Falls from Harrisburg, turn south on Highway 145 to Delwood. Turn right (west) toward Bell Smith Springs. Pass through Mccormick, then Zion Hill Church. Turn left (south) on forest road 494. Road is rough until the unmarked recreation area on the right, just before the creek. There is an outhouse there and a bulletin board with information supplied by the Illinois Climbers’ Association. Camping is allowed here. A trail follows the top of the bluff (southeast) around to the “dog leg” where you can walk into the canyon, or you can tie up and rappel.