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
Update: Rocky Bluff Trail – One Short Trail, Two Great Waterfalls
Rocky Bluff Trail – One Short Trail, Two Great Waterfalls - by Gary Marks Are you looking for a great waterfall hike that doesn’t involve miles of walking or sloshing through torrential creeks? Then Rocky Bluff Trail is the answer. This short 1.8 mile trail which can be cut down to less than a mile (via an official shortcut trail) is one of the best waterfall trails in Southern Illinois. Take a look at our previous article The WaterFall... Read More
Garden of the Gods – Shawnee National Forest
Garden of the Gods – Shawnee National Forest – Observation Trail This is the icon of the Shawnee National Forest. When one thinks of nature in Southern Illinois their mind may wonder to the Garden. Visions of scenic vistas with gnarled rocks in the foreground and the vast Garden of the Gods Wilderness appear in the background. This place is the one area that all nature lovers in Illinois must see, but the Garden is not only ours. ... 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
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
