Garden of the Gods Recreation Area
Tourist attraction
4.9 (5382)
Herod, IL 62947
Scenic hiking, camping & picnic area featuring sandstone rock formations & a trail with benches.
This location may be clothing-optional or adjacent to adult content. We do not display adult imagery and recommend discretion. Families should verify suitability.
Designated Lake Beach Plus Distinct Picnic/Trail SitesIL
Shawnee National Forest Swimming Destinations
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Pounds Hollow’s designated swim beach, Bell Smith Springs trails and Illinois Iron Furnace separately, with current rules, facilities and road notices.
Swimming restriction
Pounds Hollow swimming at beach only, no pets in beach/swim area, no glass or metal containers on beach. No jumping or diving itinerary.
Official sources checked:
Water type
Designated Lake Beach Plus Distinct Picnic/Trail Sites
Access
Informal
Fee
Check each destination: Iron Furnace lists no site fee; camping charges and notices at Pounds Hollow and Redbud are separate.
Best season
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date
Nearby towns
Evansville (In), Paducah (Ky), Harrisburg (Il)
Water body
Pounds Hollow Lake; Separate Big Creek And Bell Smith Creek Contexts
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Evansville (In), Paducah (Ky), Harrisburg (Il)
Access location not verified
HARRISBURG (IL), IL
Approximate location based on the nearest town. Confirm the exact spot and access before you go.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Access location not verified
- The recorded location has no completed source check. Confirm the entrance, legal access, and parking before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Three Shawnee destinations, three different visits
The historical account names Pounds Hollow, Illinois Iron Furnace and Bell Smith Springs. They should not share one creek-swimming label or facilities list. Pounds Hollow is the clearly manager-supported swimming beach; the other two have separate creek, trail and picnic information.
Pounds Hollow: swim only at the beach
The Forest Service supports lake swimming at the designated beach and states there is no lifeguard. Pets are prohibited on the beach and in its swimming area, and glass or metal containers are not allowed on the beach. Picnic areas, a shelter, fishing pier and campground services belong to this recreation area. Confirm current access hours and overnight charges separately.
Bell Smith Springs: plan trails and check road work
The current page describes canyon trails, deep creek pools, two vault toilets and potable water, but does not establish a staffed bathing zone. It advises carrying supplies because phones do not reach out of the canyon. Its September 2026 page carries road-work/traffic-stoppage information and a temporary Redbud Campground closure notice. Check those live notices; do not describe the entire trail system as closed.
Iron Furnace: history and picnicking
The current Illinois Iron Furnace page supports picnic and interpretive visits and identifies a creekside trail and fishing holes. It lists a vault toilet, no potable water and no site fee, not a designated swim beach. Carry out trash and check its bridge lane-reduction alert. See the beach rules, Bell Smith notices and Iron Furnace information.
Getting There
Use current Forest Service routes for each named site. Do not route all three through one forest point or treat archived approximate coordinates as swimming entrances.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
A defined managed swim beach at Pounds Hollow does not establish swimming permission at every Shawnee creek.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Pounds Hollow swimming at beach only, no pets in beach/swim area, no glass or metal containers on beach. No jumping or diving itinerary. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Lusk Creek Trailhead
Tourist attraction
4.6 (34)
Straight St, Eddyville, IL 62928
Bell Smith Springs Scenic Area
Park
4.8 (711)
Bell Smith Springs Rd, Ozark, IL 62972
Picnic tablesPublic restroom
Fort Massac State Park
State park
4.6 (1840)
1308 E 5th St, Metropolis, IL 62960
This area resource for boating, camping & fishing houses a replica of a historic 1802 American fort.
Barbecue grillCycling lanesPicnic tablesPublic restroom
Downtown Restrooms
Public bathroom
3.4 (14)
Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001
Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau
Visitor center
4.9 (47)
128 Broadway St, Paducah, KY 42001
Gender-neutral restroomRestroom
Pilot Travel Center
Truck stop
4 (1831)
5353 Cairo Rd, Paducah, KY 42001
Wi-Fi
Fern Lake Campground
Campground
4.5 (497)
5535 Cairo Rd, Paducah, KY 42001
Frequently Asked Questions About Shawnee National Forest Swimming Destinations
Which of these three sites has designated swimming?
Pounds Hollow’s manager supports swimming at its designated beach only. Do not transfer that rule to the other creek sites.
Are lifeguards or dogs allowed at Pounds Hollow beach?
The Forest Service says no lifeguard, and pets are not allowed on the beach or in the designated swimming area.
Is Bell Smith Springs wholly closed?
Do not infer that. Its current page distinguishes road-work traffic interruptions, a Hunting Branch Road closure and temporary Redbud camping closure from the trail system. Recheck live notices.
What supplies should I carry into Bell Smith Springs?
Carry water, food and basic emergency supplies. The manager warns phones do not reach out of the canyon and emergency response can take longer.
Does Illinois Iron Furnace have drinking water and a swimming beach?
The current page lists a vault toilet and no potable water. It supports picnic/interpretive visits and creek fishing holes, not a designated bathing beach.
Can all three sites share one fee or campground booking?
No. Iron Furnace currently lists no site fee, while overnight arrangements at Pounds Hollow and Redbud are separate and subject to current notices.
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Do not jump, dive or use rope swings
- Water appearance does not establish depth, current, water quality, underwater hazards or an exit
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
Respect protected sites and local rules; no invented cultural associations.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Photograph only from permitted viewpoints and respect visitors' privacy. Scenery is not a current water-condition report.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Respect property boundaries, use authorized routes and carry out waste.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Check the named destination, current notices and weather before choosing a date.
Difficulty Level
No verified accessible descent or surveyed route to an informal water entry.
Fee
Check each destination: Iron Furnace lists no site fee; camping charges and notices at Pounds Hollow and Redbud are separate.
Facilities
Services are site-specific. Pounds Hollow beach has no lifeguard; Bell Smith road and Redbud closure notices need live checks.
Activities
Pounds Hollow beach swimming; separately scoped Bell Smith hiking and Iron Furnace picnic/interpretive visits.
Phone
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Pine Ridge and Redbud are separate overnight destinations; current Bell Smith page carries a temporary Redbud closure notice.
Loading weather data…
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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