Trailhead Expansion & Creation

Trailheads allow for guests to access the forest in different areas, dispersing usage which is good for existing trailheads and in addition, expanding access to different areas of the Shawnee!


The idea for these new trailheads came from the STC.  Funding for the following came in part from the STC and/or grants awarded to the STC:


Benham Ridge Trailhead

Located in the One Horse Gap area, Benham Ridge has a River to River trail adjacent to the parking area. Before this trailhead was created, only private property was available for parking. Benham Ridge trailhead provides access to scenic spots such as:

  • One Horse Gap
  • Tombstone Territory
  • The Promised Land
  • One Horse Gap Lake

Benham Ridge Road can be accessed from Dutton Chapel Road. Please note that this is a long narrow road, and it can be challenging when meeting another vehicle. The STC is hoping to widen the roadway and perform general road maintenance in a few key areas to improve travel and accessibility for all vehicles.

Benham Ridge Trailhead


Golden Circle Trailhead

Located in the High Knob/Garden of Gods area close to the River to River. Just like with Benham Hill, private property and backpacker only parking were the sole available options for parking prior to this newly created trailhead.

Golden Circle provides access to scenic spots such as:

  • Buzzards Roost
  • Knights of the Golden Circle
  • Garden of the Gods
  • Big H Rock
  • Whiskey Cave
  • Rice Hollow
  • many more



In addition to these 2 new trailheads, expansion of 2 existing trailheads was accomplished with funding from the STC and the work was completed by the Forest Service.


Trigg Tower Trailhead

Trigg Tower Trailhead was almost non-existent prior to fundraising and collaborative effort from the STC, Forest Service, and McKinney's Western Store. This trailhead is located on Trigg Tower Rd to the west of the Trail Designation Project. The River to River trail crosses at this trailhead.

Trigg Tower trailhead provides additional access to the following areas:

  • Jackson Falls
  • Bay Creek
  • Trigg Observation Tower


Gum Springs Trailhead

Gum Springs Trailhead is another existing trailhead that was in need of expansion and maintenance. It can be located off Gilead Church Road. Located outside the Trail Designation Project, it is west of Trigg Tower trailhead and shares some of the same trails. The River to River trail is adjacent to this trailhead. Strategic tree removal was needed and a new driveway was installed to make it more accessible.  The Forest Service did the clearing and the STC paid for the gravel.

  • Cedar Creek Wonders/Gum Springs
  • River to River


Gum Springs from the trail entrance towards the road.

Trailhead Expansion & Creation