Photographs of Bell Smith Springs and Bay Creek in Shawnee National Forest Illinois

In fall 2017 I began to explore southern Illinois and the Shawnee National Forest. With sandstone bluffs and canyons, a natural bridge and Bay Creek running through it, Bell Smith Springs is a wonderful spot to explore the natural beauty of the region. It seems to be a popular swimming hole in the summer but the crowds thin out the rest of the months. With good light and no crowds, the photographic possibilities are endless.

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 2

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 2

Autumn Along Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Autumn Along Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Boulders in the Creek at Bell Smith Springs 1

Boulders in the Creek at Bell Smith Springs 1

Bay Creek in Autumn at Bell Smith Springs 1

Bay Creek in Autumn at Bell Smith Springs 1

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 1

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 1

Autumn Leaves on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Autumn Leaves on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Log Across Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Log Across Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 5

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 5

Leaves on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs 2

Leaves on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs 2

Boulders in the Creek at Bell Smith Springs 2

Boulders in the Creek at Bell Smith Springs 2

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 6

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 6

Fall Colors on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Fall Colors on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 3

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 3

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 4

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 4

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 1

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 1

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 4

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 4

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 2

Autumn in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 2

Leaves on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs 1

Leaves on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs 1

Bay Creek in Autumn at Bell Smith Springs 3

Bay Creek in Autumn at Bell Smith Springs 3

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 8

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 8

Backwaters in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 2

Backwaters in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 2

Natural Bridge at Bell Smith Springs

Natural Bridge at Bell Smith Springs

Bay Creek in Autumn at Bell Smith Springs 2

Bay Creek in Autumn at Bell Smith Springs 2

Leaves and Reflections on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Leaves and Reflections on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Rock and Fall Landscape on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Rock and Fall Landscape on Bay Creek at Bell Smith Springs

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 3

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 3

Backwaters in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 1

Backwaters in Bay Creek Canyon at Bell Smith Springs 1

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 7

Bell Smith Springs Woodland 7