The part of Panther Den Wilderness area that is managed by the United States Forest Service is 1,081 acres.
All wilderness areas in the state of Illinois are managed by the USFS, with the exception of 114 acres in the northern part of Panther Den Wilderness.
This section lies within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Wilderness Area, and so is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
The US Fish and Wildlife also manages Devils Kitchen Lake which has three fingers of that dip into Panther Den Wilderness area.
Since this is a Wilderness area it is open to hikers, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and individuals who are looking for solitude.
That means no ATVs, bicycles, motorized equipment, motorized vehicles, hang gliders, motorboats, landing strips or other wheeled vehicles are allowed on this area.
As stated by the USFS, "All wilderness users should exercise good outdoor ethics, which include; bringing a compass, appropriate maps, drinking water, observing adjacent private landowner rights and Leave No Trace practices.
Campers are encouraged to register with the nearest Ranger District."
Many people have gotten lost in the Panthers Den Wilderness area over the years.
The part of Panther Den Wilderness area that is managed by the United States Forest Service is 1,081 acres. All wilderness areas in the state of Illinois are managed by the USFS, with the exception of 114 acres in the northern part of Panther Den Wilderness. This section lies within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Wilderness Area, and so is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The US Fish and Wildlife also manages Devils Kitchen Lake which has three fingers of that dip into Panther Den Wilderness area. Since this is a Wilderness area it is open to hikers, backpacking, climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, horse packing, bird watching, stargazing, and individuals who are looking for solitude. That means no ATVs, bicycles, motorized equipment, motorized vehicles, hang gliders, motorboats, landing strips or other wheeled vehicles are allowed on this area. As stated by the USFS, "All wilderness users should exercise good outdoor ethics, which include; bringing a compass, appropriate maps, drinking water, observing adjacent private landowner rights and Leave No Trace practices. Campers are encouraged to register with the nearest Ranger District." Many people have gotten lost in the Panthers Den Wilderness area over the years.
Panther Den Wilderness