Description: Bell Smith Springs is located in northern Pope County and is designated a National Natural Landmark. Four creeks come together in the area that is known for its cool spring-fed pools that never go dry. The constant source of water has led to the extreme diversity of plant life found here which contains 20% of Illinois flowering plants and ferns. The spring time contains many wildflowers. In addition, unique natural features such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural bridge located on eighteen miles of trails give plenty of reasons to explore the area. The natural bridge is 125 feet long and 30 feet high. Wading and swimming in Bay Creek is a popular summertime activity. I went in the fall and the colors and rock formations were quite beautiful.

Trails: The rocks can be slippery when it rains and it is good to be in shape because there is a lot of climbing and so many thing to see on all the different trails. I could not go down all the trail because I am not in shape and it was wet and I am afraid to slipping on wet rocks because I had an accident in which I slipped in a wilderness area and broke my knee. It was an expensive and hard rescue. The Sentry Bluff Trail is marked with blue markers and is 3.2 miles. It crosses Bay Creek which can be slippery when the water is higher than normal. The Natural Bridge Trail is marked with yellow markers and is a 1 1/2 mile loop it goes to the Natural Bridge. I had my dog with me and could not go up a ladder that some hikers told me about when I was doing the trail so I did not get to see it or climb it but it sounded interesting. I was able to find the yellow and blue trails because in the one parking lot they go down a set of stairs. However, if you go up you will see white arrows and it takes you to another parking lot that dead ends. I was able to get to that parking lot by the car and that is where the white connecter trail stopped. This parking lot was the one in which you follow Hunting Branch picnic ground. Because it was wet, there was no way to get down a hill to get to where the parking lot was. I had to back trail and ended up where I started out. According to the book 50 Nature Walks in Southern Illinois, the white trail is the general hiking area that is 1.4 miles long and starts at the Hunting Branch picnic area and goes to a Grist Mill and to Mill Branch Creek. I would suggest really looking a current map and to understand the trails before you go.

Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive east on Illinois 146 for less than a mile to Illinois 147. Turn left onto Illinois 147, and drive 13 miles to Illinois 145. Turn left onto Illinois 145, and drive 6 miles to Eddyville Road. Turn left onto Eddyville Road and drive 8 miles to Forest Route (FR) 848. Turn left onto FR 848 and drive 3 miles to the parking area. It takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to get there and would work out best if you spend the night and explore another area or spend both days at Bell Smith Springs. It is close to Jackson Hollow which is another beautiful spot.
The FR are not marked and it is not easy to find. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots by the Southern Illinois Department of Tourism.