April 10, 2021 – Snake Road Hiking Summary

There were 20 hikers led by Shawn Gossman last Saturday at Snake Road in Union County. The weather started off a bit cool, with a light, short rain shower,  not really conducive for snake movement,  but, later the clouds cleared and the sun popped out.  The trek South only revealed 2 cottonmouth snakes…1 juvenile curled on a tree branch, and another adult in the middle of the road. 1 pair of hikers came all the way from Carmi. Many of the participants were on the hike to view amphibians & snakes. We met quite a few other hikers, not with the Trail Society group, heading South…as we were heading back North.

The trek back North on the road, given that the Sun was out, and temps were slightly warmer, did give a chance to view a few more migratory organisms….a ringneck snake, a large bullfrog sunning on a small log and several other small snakes.

Saturday, April 17, 2021 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its sixth scheduled hike of the 2021 Spring hiking season, on Saturday, April 17, at Ferne Clyffe State Park, near Goreville in Johnson County. The hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, combining three shorter trails, the Black Jack Oak Trail, the Lake Trail, and the Round Bluff Trail, into a single hike. There will be some uphill climbing at the beginning and end of the hike, as well as a creek crossing.  A hiking stick and boots or sturdy shoes are strongly recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and a snack. In addition, face masks will be required when gathered together or when passing on the trail.  No dogs, please.

    Hikers should meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Boat Rock parking area near the main waterfall. The parking area can be expected to fill up, so early arrival is recommended. For information or directions, call (630) 470-7692.