The Isolation of Winter in the Shawnee Hills
Winter, Winter, Go Away? - by Gary Marks Winter is a time that can make us scurry inside, trying to get away from the bitter cold temperatures. For some of us just the saying “winter” is a dirty word, but there are some people that wait patiently for the cooler temps so they can explore the frozen world outside. Here in Southern Illinois we rarely stay cold for any length of time. It can be in the 60′s like this past weekend,... Read More
Winter Wonderland in the Shawnee Hills
A.S. – After Snow - by Gary Marks Was it all a dream? Was a winter veil thrown across my sleep-deprived eyes? Sitting here well over a week after the last snow event, one wonders. That wondering stops though as the computer cycles through photographs and the reality of it all sinks in. As the snow is thawing and only piles of white memories remain, we look back and remember that occasionally the proof of winter does come to Southern... Read More
Ferne Clyffe Lake Trail – Ferne Clyffe State Park
- by Gary Marks Have you ever been to Ferne Clyffe and drove right past the lake on your way to the popular Ferne Clyffe Waterfall Trail? You are definitely not alone. Many often overlook the Ferne Clyffe Lake trail that is tucked away on the edges of one of the few lake hikes in Southern Illinois. Where to Go? When coming to the first stop sign in the park make a left and head downhill. Near the bottom of the road is a small parking area... Read More
3 Great Places To Spend A 3 Day Weekend In Southern Illinois
3 Great Places To Spend A 3 Day Weekend In Southern Illinois Are you getting ready for 3-day weekend this week? If so, here are some great places in Southern Illinois to spend 3 days exploring the natural side of the Shawnee Hills. 1. Giant City State Park This 4,000 acre state park is one of the best places to visit in Southern Illinois. It boasts 7 hiking trails that explore varied areas of the park. Here’s a couple of my favorites: Trillium... 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
Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return – Part 4 – Finale
January 11, 2010 Missed Part 1 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. Missed Part 2 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. Missed Part 3 of Bell Smith Springs – Winter Return? Click here to read. - by Gary Marks The Finale First of all, I would like to thank you the reader for continuing to read the articles on Bell Smith Springs. This will absolutely be the final post for the Winter... Read More
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 – Stonefort Trail
Giant City State Park Take a short hike to the top of a bluff that is the home to the remnants of an historic structure created by the Native Americans over 1,000 years ago. Quick Stats Difficulty: Climb at beginning, but levels out on top with rocky outcrops Length: 1/3 mile Highlights: Stone fort and high overlooks Overview If you are short on time and can only do two trails at Giant City State Park, my suggestions would be the Giant City... 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
Ferne Clyffe Waterfall – Ferne Clyffe State Park
This series focuses on photos and videos from our local waterfalls in the Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois. If you have not read our previous posts in this series click the following link: The Waterfall Chaser Archives. Sunday August 15, 2010 Waters Running? That is exactly what I thought when we pulled into the parking area for the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. How after a long dry summer of 100 degree temps could water be running? That... Read More
