Grand Tower Parking for R2R Trail hikers

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/

Saturday, March 14, 2020 Hike Announcement

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. 

March 7, 2020 – High Knob Grindstaff Hollow – Hiking Summary by Chris Drone

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!!