Burden Falls – The Best Waterfall in Southern Illinois ?
Burden Falls – The Best Waterfall in Southern Illinois? - by Gary Marks If you could visit only one waterfall in Southern Illinois would this be the one to go to? Ask several different people and you will get several different answers, but can one Waterfall be called the BEST in Southern Illinois? This article delves head-long into a debate that will rage long after you read this article. The Stage The sound of rushing water fills your head... Read More
Little Grand Canyon – Two Canyons, One Great View
Little Grand Canyon – Two Canyons, One Great View Close your eyes and imagine a canyon. No, No, not that canyon (lol). Wipe those ideas aside for a moment and think smaller, more intimate, more Midwestern. Images of steep gray sandstone, deep green ferns, and a stream that has gently carved the area for many centuries, may fill your head. Yeah, that’s it! Now take that image and place it into the far reaches of Southern Illinois... Read More
Video Hike – Round Bluff – Ferne Clyffe State Park
Ferne Clyffe State Park – Round Bluff Nature Preserve Hike Has the great weather got you itching to escape the workplace and head out for the trail? You’re not alone. This week’s mid-week hike takes us to one of the best state parks in Illinois, Ferne Clyffe State Park. Ferne Clyffe is home to many great hikes, but one of my favorites is the one-mile loop trail called Round Bluff. Enjoy! Click on the following link to read a... Read More
3 More Awesome Videos of Southern Illinois Waterfalls
3 More Awesome Videos of Southern Illinois Waterfalls Did you explore the waterfalls of our 5 Cool Videos of Southern Illinois Waterfalls article and wonder if there were anymore waterfalls to discover in Southern Illinois? The answer is a resounding, YES! Southern Illinois is the capital for intermittent waterfalls in Illinois. The make up of the Shawnee Hills, with it resistant sandstone bluffs and hilly topography, makes it a treasure-trove... Read More
5 Cool Videos of Southern Illinois Waterfalls
5 Cool Videos of Southern Illinois Waterfalls - by Gary Marks Have you ever wondered where are the best places to see waterfalls in Southern Illinois? You’re Not Alone. Recently we have seen a huge spike in readers interested in those elusive Illinois waterfalls. The waterfalls here in Southern Illinois are only intermittent and do not flow throughout the year. The best times to see these waterfalls are in the spring and late fall when the... Read More
Quetil Trail – Alto Pass – Illinois
Quick post this week spotlighting our first non-Shawnee National Forest or State Park land. Quetil Trail is located right next to downtown Alto Pass, Illinois. Formally a railway, this short scenic section has been preserved as a town recreational area. The parking area is close to main street in Alto Pass. The trail is a nice level grade and interesting signs give railroad history and natural history. One of the highlights of the trail... 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
Ferne Clyffe State Park – Hawks Cave
This is the first in a new series called Videos from the trail. It is similar to Notes from the Trail, but will be less wordy and focus on video from the natural side of Southern Illinois. Hawks Cave This trail is located in Ferne Clyffe State Park. In my opinion, it is one of the best trails in the park. If time is limited make sure to check out the main waterfall trail and the massive bluff shelter on Hawks Cave Trail. The trail is around... 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
Cave In Rock State Park
This series, Notes from the Trail, focuses on thoughts and events that happen with the interactions in nature. Cave-in-Rock State Park One of the great rivers of the East flows below me, the Ohio. Its muddy waters ripple with a slight breeze from the south. Waves go against the current and give the impression of the river flowing backwards. White clouds loom overhead. They appear to have been painted by a master artist against a pale blue... Read More
