Saturday, November 16, 2019

Shawn Gossman lead his first successful River to River Trail Society hike at Heron Pond-Cache River State Natural Area (his other hike attempt was canceled due to rain last fall). The original idea was to hike from Wildcat Bluff to Little Black Slough/Boss Island and to Heron Pond. However, the Cache River on the bottom of Wildcat Bluff was too high to cross. A plan B was created to take hikers from Heron Pond to Little Black Slough and Boss Island and back. However, a creek crossing promised hikers would get wet feet and that idea was also crossed out.

As a planned, Plan C, Shawn led 19 hikers from Heron Pond to Tupelo Trail and back making the hike about 9 ½ miles in the end. Several of the hikers were returning guests with some hikers present who have never hiked in the Cache River area. Hikers got to see Heron Pond, the Champion Cherry-bark Oak Tree (where group photo was taken), previous settlement areas and Little Black Slough in the Tupelo Trail area (where lunch also occurred). Starting off chilly, the day evolved into a nice sunny day with warmer conditions. Many of the hikers were quite happy about the trip and in agreement that it was a great exercise.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has also made significant improvements at the Heron Pond Trailhead including the construction of a modern vault toilet gender-specific restroom facility, new signage area and a handicap pad right at the start of the trail.