I agree October is a great time to go,due to fall colors and cooler temps. We have gone in late May and June it was good then too. I hear Spring is a good time to see the spring blossoms. In my opinion there is never a bad time to go to Shawnee.  Love it there.

I've gone in mid June before and it was the hottest camping and riding conditions I've ridden and wouldn't go again in June.

I've gone in October a couple of times and I liked the ride during the first couple of weeks the best for the fall colors.

     Fall! Shawnee is beautiful anytime of the year, but fall is spectacular~October for the faliage and November to get an even better view of the abundant rock formations.  IL summers can be hot and humid, so that is a major consideration if planning a trip in advance. The thing to be aware of in the summer is the "ground bees". They've been known to wreak havoc on many a horse and rider. I've only encountered them once when riding in the fall.

    These were all taken on trails accessible right out of Hayes Canyon Campground. Now that Quiz will never ride those trails again, these pictures mean even more to me than ever before.