Extended backpacking trips, however, may run the risk of encountering foul weather as winter weather can change frequently. All trails in the forest are open to foot travel. Most trails are open for horse and foot travel. There are 1,250 miles of paved, gravel, dirt and grass surfaces in the forest road system. Foot travelers are welcome to use them with due care.
Some roads are always closed to motorized use, and other roads and trails are closed seasonally.
Lakes and Ponds Bring your fishing boat, canoe, sailboard or sailboat. There are many lakes and ponds in or near the forest, ranging from small pools to lakes larger than 2,700 acres. For information on One Horse Gap, Pounds Hollow, Tecumseh and Whoople Cat lakes, contact the Elizabethtown Ranger Station. For Big Cedar, Kinkaid, Little Cedar and Turkey Bayou lakes, contact the Murphysboro Ranger Station. The Jonesboro Ranger District has a variety of smaller lakes and ponds.