The Trail Society is dedicated to the support of hiking both along the River to River Trail and through out the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois.  The society was founded by Mr. John O’Dell in 1991.

The Trail Society manages a Facebook Group which is used to also announce and share information about our activities.  It is intended for those that participate in our activities and have an interest.  Here is a link to the group page that opens in a new tab.

River to River Trail Society

The River to River Trail and Societies efforts on it’s behalf have been featured in some magazines and other publications.  Here is a link to document those articles.

 Society in the News / Press

Link to Current Hiking Schedule

Every year since about 2002 the society has been leading public hikes during the spring and fall time of the year.  The spring hikes typically go from early March through early May and the fall hikes typically go from October through early December.  The hikes can range anywhere from 3 to 8 miles in length and are scheduled for areas all over the Shawnee National Forest.  The hikes are not just scheduled along the River to River Trail.  To participate in the hikes the Society asks all hikers to sign the following waiver prior to hiking. 

2023_Trail_Society_Waiver

Link to page with listing of Historical Hikes

The historical hikes page is the most complete listing of all the public hikes that the society has lead in the past.  The page lists the month and year, location, county and leader of the hike.

Annually the Society celebrates National Trails Day by having an annual picnic.  This event also serves as the Societies annual meeting.  For information please click the link below.

Trail Society Volunteer Efforts

River to River Trail Society patches are now available, please see details on this page.

Trail Society Patches

John O’Dell Monument Dedication

On August 13, 2022 the Trail Society formally dedicated a monument to our founder John O’Dell and this page is dedicated to that story.