{{Short description|Protected area in Pope County, Illinois}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox protected area | name = Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area | alt_name = | iucn_category = | image = Photograph of Scene at Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area - NARA - 2129052.jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = Photograph of scene at Bell Smith Springs, June 1941 | image_size = | map = USA Illinois | map_alt = | map_caption = Map of [[Illinois]] | map_width = | location = [[Pope County, Illinois|Pope County]], [[Illinois]] | nearest_city = [[Eddyville, Illinois|Eddyville]] | coordinates = {{coord|37|31|7|N|88|39|22|W|region:US-IL|display=inline, title}} | area = | established = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | governing_body = | url = | module = {{designation list | embed = yes | designation1 = NNL | designation1_date = 1980 }} }} '''Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area''' is a [[National Natural Landmark]] designated in 1980<ref name=nnl>{{cite web|title=National Natural Landmark: Bell Smith Springs|url=https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nnlandmarks/site.htm?Site=BESM-IL|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=18 December 2012}}</ref><ref name=usda>{{cite web|url=http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5106314.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140722023736/http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5106314.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 22, 2014 |title=Bell Smith Springs |publisher=usda.gov |date= |accessdate=2012-12-18}}</ref> and located in [[Shawnee National Forest]] within [[Pope County, Illinois|Pope County]], on Country Road 350E (also designated as Forest Road 848 on some maps), near [[Eddyville, Illinois|Eddyville]].
==Description== Parking is free at two locations within the park; however, the nearby Redbud Campground has an entrance fee.
Bell Smith Springs is a natural recreational area consisting of {{Convert|8|mi}} of marked trails over varied terrain surrounded by [[sandstone]] cliffs, and crisscrossed by four creeks. A map and overview of the features of the park is prominently displayed at the first parking turnout and trailhead. Each trail is marked with its own unique color, usually on trees alongside the trail. The trails can be moderately strenuous; the shallow creeks occasionally wash out parts of the trail and may require wading to cross. In wet weather, parts of the trail can be hazardous due to slippery rock.
A popular spot for visitors is the natural [[stone arch]], the largest in [[Shawnee National Forest]] with a span of {{Convert|125|ft}}, which can be found along the Natural Bridge Trail. Hikers wishing to see the arch from the top may climb metal bars embedded in the rock; or alternatively there is a longer walking route that winds around to the top.
Due to the abundance of [[water]], [[vegetation]] within the park is lush. During the summer months, some of the deeper pools along the creeks are frequented by swimmers.
Wildlife includes [[bobcat]]s, [[deer]], and [[fox]]es, as well as [[turkeys]] and many other types of [[bird]]s. [[Hunting]] and [[fishing]] are allowed in season with a license.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://illinois.sierraclub.org/Shawnee/sites/s-bellsmiths.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020602192058/http://illinois.sierraclub.org/Shawnee/sites/s-bellsmiths.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2002-06-02 |title=Bell Smith Springs |publisher=Illinois.sierraclub.org |accessdate=2012-12-18 }}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [http://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/shawnee/recreation Official website]
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[[Category:Hiking trails in Illinois]] [[Category:Natural arches of Illinois]] [[Category:Shawnee National Forest]] [[Category:Protected areas of Pope County, Illinois]] [[Category:National Natural Landmarks in Illinois]] [[Category:Bodies of water of Pope County, Illinois]] [[Category:Protected areas established in 1980]] [[Category:1980 establishments in Illinois]]