Cove Hollow – Cedar Lake – Shawnee National Forest
Shawnee National Forest – Cedar Lake – Cove Hollow Majestic sheer bluffs, a shimmering lake, two beautiful intermittent waterfalls, steep rocky descents, abused. These are all adequate words to describe this hidden gem located just a short distance from Pomona Illinois in the Shawnee National Forest. Quick Stats Difficulty: Steep descents from the bluff with rocky, uneven trail conditions, rocks very slippery when wet Length: ... Read More
Giant City State Park – Giant City Nature Trail
Giant City State Park – Giant City Nature Trail Explore the most popular hiking trail at Giant City and possibly Southern Illinois. This trails only valid competition would be the Garden of the Gods – Observation Trail. Unlike Garden of the Gods its main attraction is not bizarrely eroded rocks, such as Camel Rock, but unusual rock separation. The Giant City Nature Trail is the home of “Streets of Giant City” and the gravity... Read More
One Horse Gap – Shawnee National Forest – Part 2
Important Note: According to a sign posted near the trailhead this area will this area has been selected for prescribed burning between the months of October 2010 and May 2011 . Before exploring this area please contact the Hidden Springs Ranger District at (618) 658-2111 for the latest details. This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. This is the second of a two part... Read More
One Horse Gap – Shawnee National Forest – Part 1
Important Note: According to a sign posted near the trailhead this area will this area has been selected for prescribed burning between the months of October and May . Before exploring this area please contact the Hidden Springs Ranger District at (618) 658-2111 for the latest details. This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Monday August 30, 2010 Clouds. Talk of... Read More
Ferne Clyffe State Park – Round Bluff Trail
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. I step onto my back porch trying to gauge how today’s weather will be. I am cheerful that once again the deep humidity of the long summer has subsided. Thoughts of fall attempt to encroach upon the mind. I shake them away. The calender still says August and summer may not be over yet. I look at my watch and know that I... Read More
Shawnee National Forest – Rim Rock Trail
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Monday, August 23, 2010 Backpack. Check. Camera. Check. Tripod. Check. It’s time to go. I hop in my vehicle and make the drive to Garden of the Gods County, but today I am not headed for the Garden of the Gods. My destination lies beyond Karbers Ridge and into the Shawnee National Forest. I pull into the parking area... Read More
Alto Pass – Quetil Trail – Notes from the Trail
A Special Message to our E-mail Subscribers This is the first special post for our e-mail subscribers only. I am still figuring out the best way to distribute this content to you our e-mail subscriber. I am going to try posting it as a private post or password protected post. So I will be grateful for any feedback on the best way to do this. I will release these articles to the general public, but you will receive the first look. Feel... Read More
Trail of Tears State Forest – CCC Heritage Trail
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Sunday August 1, 2010 I find myself amongst the steep hills and ravines of the Trail of Tears State Forest. The sun is low in the sky as I head out for a last-minute hike. Up to now most of the day has slipped effortlessly away as computer issues destroyed precious time. I look at my watch and notice that it is 5:30 pm. I am cutting... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – Grand Staircase & Natural Bridge – Part II
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Did you miss part one? Click on the following link to get caught up on all the action – Bell Smith Springs: Part One – Devils Backbone. Monday July 12, 2010 I walk amongst the trees and shrubs that thrive within the canyon. In places it feels like a jungle as I move branches away from hitting me in the face. Another web wraps... Read More
Bell Smith Springs – Devils Backbone – Part I
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Monday July 12, 2010 As I head off the main road on the outskirts of Ozark, IL, the road turns to gravel. All roads leading to my destination are made of rock bringing to this area a sense of remoteness. The truck bounces along the uneven road. The familiar clouds of dust that usually bellow from the tires are absent. Last nights... Read More
