The Natural Swimming Hole At Bell Smith Springs In Illinois Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days
By Elizabeth Crozier|Published May 21, 2020
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Elizabeth Crozier
Author
An Illinois transplant who grew up and went to school in Indiana for 22 years, Elizabeth holds a BFA in creative writing and has enjoyed traveling across the country and parts of Europe. She has visited half of the states, as well as parts of Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and regularly travels home to the Hoosier State to see friends and family. With more than five years of writing experience, Elizabeth’s articles have been featured on several websites, and her poetry and short stories have been published in multiple literary journals.
There’s a natural swimming hole in Ozark, Illinois that is one of the most beautiful spots in the state. Nature lovers go wild for the trails at this wonderful recreation zone that features all sorts of exciting things to see. Check it out:
Bell Smith Springs is one of the most lovely and exciting recreational areas in southern Illinois. It is part of the mighty Shawnee National Forest and contains a wealth of natural attractions.
Most enticing is the natural swimming hole. During the wet seasons, the creeks fill and pool with rain and other runoff, creating these beautiful blue spots.
Most do not reach higher than your calf but can be waded in. These natural pools will take you back to the old days of wandering through the woods and cooling off in a hidden lagoon.
Other prominent features around Bell Smith Springs include a natural rock bridge, canyons, and other rock formations. There are eight miles of trail systems to help you explore it all.
This location is a National Natural Landmark due to all the unique land formations found here. Rock stairs, Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls, and so much more abound.