The River-to-River Trail Society regrets to announce that its remaining scheduled hikes for the 2020 spring hiking season will be cancelled. This includes the public hikes previously scheduled for March 28, April 4, April 11, April 18, April 25, April 26, and May 2. The Society thanks all its members and friends for their support, and hopes that we will be able to offer another series of free public hikes in the fall.
Similar to the Tim Pohlman call to the STC last Thursday, the Trail Society got a call last Friday from Chad Deaton of the Shawnee National Forest Office. Chad asked the Trail Society to get the word out about the upcoming attempt to eradicate feral hogs within the Lusk Creek Wilderness and forest areas north of it. Chad indicated the FS was working on a map, but did not provide one.
Chad stated these areas in Lusk Creek would be closed to all activities including all hiking, equestrian, R2R Trail users and any other activities during the week of March 30 to as late as April 3, 2020. During that week the FS will be picking the clearest day to do a fly over looking for the hogs. The reason for the full week closure is because they can’t predict the weather.
Chad also indicated that the FS was working on a press release.
The River-to-River Trail Society regrets to announce that its scheduled public hikes on March 21, 22, and 28 have been cancelled. The reason for the cancellation is to assist in retarding the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID 19) pursuant to guidance from the state and federal governments. One of the Board’s principal concerns is the risk of infection during the carpooling needed to travel between the meeting places and some of the trailheads. The Society will continue to monitor the situation and will make further announcements concerning its scheduled hikes in April and May. The Society regrets the inconvenience, but believes this action is necessary in order to do its part in responding to this serious public health issue.
The River-to-River Trail Society announces its third and fourth scheduled guided hikes for the Spring, 2020 hiking season on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. These hikes are free and open to the public. For both hikes, hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please.
On Saturday (March 21) a group will repeat the Society’s popular Cedar Creek waterfall hike in Johnson County. Hikers will visit Indian Falls, Little Falls, an unnamed double waterfall, and Cedar Falls. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, of a little over five miles in length, and is intended for people in good health, who have done some hiking. There will be several stream crossings. For Saturday’s hike, hikers should meet at 10:00 a.m. at New Simpson – Tunnel Hill School, on Route 45, between Ozark and Vienna. For information or directions, call (270) 331-1553.
On Sunday (March 22) a group will hike to the Rock House, alongside Lusk Creek, near Eddyville in Pope County. This will be a relatively easy hike of about three to four miles round-trip, and is intended for people who might want a Sunday afternoon walk and a chance to visit the Rock House. Although the hike will not be of great difficulty, part of the trail can be expected to be slick and muddy, and hikers should choose their footwear with that in mind. Hikers should meet at 2:00 p.m. at the now-closed Shawnee Mart on Route 145 in Eddyville. For information or directions, call (630) 470-7692.
With recent news that Devils Backbone Park at Grand Tower is closed, we reached out to the folks at Grand Tower and got the following response about parking at the park for R2R Trail hikers.
Talked to Park Board President and he said you can park on the side of the road at the top of the park as long as there are not to many vehicles. Need to leave room on the pavement for park vehicles to get through. If you ever have a large bunch he will open part of the bottom of the park out of the path where they will be working. Anymore questions you may reach him at 618-713-0139.
To see information on the park closing, see the following story.
https://wsiltv.com/2020/03/06/devils-backbone-park-open-to-options-in-moving-train/
The River-to-River Trail Society announces its second guided hike of the Spring, 2020 hiking season on Saturday, March 14, from Williams Hill to Rudement, by way of Sally Hollow and Beech Hollow. This hike is free and open to the public. The hike will be of moderate difficulty, intended for people in good physical condition, who are capable of hiking off-trail over broken ground. There will be a creek crossing in Sally Hollow. Boots or sturdy shoes and hiking sticks are strongly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please.
Hikers should meet at 10:00 a.m. at Rudement Church, on Route 34 at Rudement, Illinois. For information or directions, call (618) 499-2055.
I have been hiking with the River to River Trail Society for at Least 8, maybe 10 years. But. Yesterday, was the Largest number of people & hikers that I Ever had the pleasure of being with. 55 all total. We even gained some after the 1st leg of the morning. It Was a Perfect day for hiking, Bright sun, clear, nice temperatures, etc. Todd Carr did an Excellent job of speaking about the various spots, keeping us together, and surmounting a few challenges with such a large, diverse group. We went around the complete base of the summit of High Knob, and then over East to a couple of (very) dilapidated cabins/barns, then crossed a couple of streams easily, and eventually found the spring in Grindstaff Hollow. Todd informed us about the work of L.O. Trigg getting the Shawnee National Forest established, and we hiked up & out to vehicles spotted earlier in the day on Grindstaff Rd. We had a large percentage of newcomers/First-timers, and Hope to welcome Many of them back on future hikes this spring. Next weeks’ hike has been posted, and will be starting at Rudement church on IL Rt. 34. See Ya on the Trail!!
The River-to-River Trail Society announces its first scheduled hike of the Spring, 2020 hiking season, on Saturday, March 7. This hike is free and open to the public. The hike will proceed from High Knob to Resthaven, by way of Hurricane Bluff, Grindstaff Hollow, and Colter Spring. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, and is intended for people in good health who have done some walking. Boots or sturdy shoes, as well as hiking sticks, are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. No dogs, please.
Hikers should meet at 10:00 a.m. at the parking lot atop High Knob, in southern Gallatin County. Carpooling is not required, but is encouraged. To reach High Knob, proceed about two miles north on High Knob Road from Karbers Ridge, Illinois. At the High Knob Campground, turn east on Forest Road 114, proceeding slowly through the campground and continuing to the end of the road atop High Knob. This is a rough road; proceed with care. For information or directions, call or text (618) 499-9629.