Panther Den

Panther Den is a 2.9-mile out-and-back hike in the Panther Den Wilderness, part of the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The land is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the refuge unit of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge also falls within the area. The trail rises from a low point of 513 feet to a high of 656 feet, with a total elevation gain of 535 feet over the course of the round trip. The climb is steepest at the start, with a grade of about 11 percent at the first 0.05 miles. The route is rated hard, and the surface is natural, so expect a rougher walk than a smooth trail. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna run to highs around 71°F in April and 73°F in October, while July highs average about 90°F. The hike is open year-round, and the trip takes about an hour. The River To River Trail and Panther Loop both lie within a mile, and the Den Trail is about 1.1 miles away. Climbers can find the F: Gill Wall area roughly 5 miles off.