Before the 1970s, national forests were responsible for designating their own trail systems. At that time, the Shawnee National Forest did not designate formal trails, which led to challenges as recreational use increased. As more visitors discovered the Shawnee—particularly horseback riders—private campgrounds began to appear on the forest’s eastern side, and trail impacts grew.
In the 1970s, over 15,000 acres of the Shawnee were designated as Natural Areas, intended for hiking only. However, these restrictions were not actively enforced until the late 1980s and early 1990s, which created uncertainty for equestrian users who had long enjoyed those areas.
Recognizing the need to preserve access while supporting responsible use, local residents founded the Shawnee Trail Conservancy (STC) in 1994. By 1999, STC had incorporated as a nonprofit to advocate for fair access to trails and to represent recreational users in discussions about forest management.
Over the years, STC has been involved in several major issues, including:
Public roads and access: Many historic public roads run through the forest, some of which serve as trails today. STC has supported clarifying jurisdiction over these roads to ensure continued access while respecting private property rights.
Motorized use: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) were prohibited in the forest following legal decisions that required environmental review. To date, no designated ATV trails exist in the Shawnee.
Natural Area trails: Legal challenges in the 1990s closed many horse trails in Natural Areas. STC worked to represent equestrian interests in these cases, helping ensure that some trails, such as those in the Garden of the Gods area, remained accessible.
Campground permits: STC participated in efforts to develop a fair system for private campgrounds operating within the forest, ensuring they could continue to provide recreation opportunities under special use permits.
A major turning point came in 2008, when mediation efforts brought together the Forest Service, environmental groups, and trail users. This agreement laid the groundwork for greater collaboration in managing the forest.
In 2006, the Forest Service designated a formal trail system in the eastern Shawnee, with an emphasis on sustainability, soil protection, and quality recreation. STC continues to work alongside the Forest Service to identify problems, share solutions, and support improvements to the trail system.
Today, thanks in part to these efforts, the Shawnee National Forest offers more designated trails than any other national forest. The Shawnee Trail Conservancy remains committed to advocating for responsible access and to making the Shawnee one of the premier riding destinations in the country.