October 15, 2022 – Herod Bluff Hike Summary

Sat. Oct. 15th, 2022, Sam Morales led 17 other hikers from the Benham Ridge Trailhead. We condensed down into 4 vehicles and moved about 2 ‘very dusty’ miles on into the forest. On the hike, we went by such areas as the fireplace at the old Rose cabin, ate lunch at the Herod overlook, which, with clear sunny skies, the trees were showing their muted, yet bountiful colors. We had several returning hikers and a few ‘newer’ to the River to River Trail Society hikers, including 1 from Brookport, who told me he had helped our President, at 1 time, many years ago, on a trail-building project.  We saw a small cemetery,  some bluffs, including a few small ‘windows’, and some ‘slots’ to explore. It was/IS Very dry out on the trails. We had a nice stop at the Promised Land, then onward to Rocky Top  At times we were on trails 120, 121, 169, & 170. We covered just over 5 miles. We also picked up less trash today, than last week, a big Plus!!. 

Next week, we have 2, yes, 2 hikes scheduled. The 1st will be on Saturday, meeting at the Hunting Branch trail head (near Bell Smith Springs). We will condense down, move over to Sand Cave, and then hike back to Hunting Branch. Sunday, Oct, 23rd, we will meet at the Golconda Marina, and move out to hike the War Bluff area. We will probably need to condense down  the number of vehicles there also. This will be a shorter hike 2-2.5 hrs. at most. 

Until then, “See ya on the Trail”

Respectfully submitted, 

Chris Drone

Saturday & Sunday, October 22 & 23, 2022 Hike Announcements

Saturday

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its fourth public hike of the Fall 2022 hiking season on Saturday Oct. 22nd from Sand Cave to Hunting Branch (Pope County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time; this hike has creek crossings. Hikers will need to be shuttled for this hike and it will be a through hike once shuttled. The leader of the hike will be Chris Drone who can be reached at (618) 926-3250 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at the Hunting Branch (Mill Branch Trail Trailhead) parking area. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some walking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snack. No dogs please. Here is a Google Map link showing the trailhead parking area GPS 37.523330, -88.661000.

Sunday

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its fifth public hike of the Fall 2022 hiking season on Sunday Oct. 23rd in the War Bluff area (Pope County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty approx. 2.5 hours of hiking time. The leaders of this hike will be Gillum and Vicki Ferguson who can be reached at (630) 470-7692 for more information. Hikers should meet at 2:00 pm at the Golconda Marina, north parking lot, Golconda, IL. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some walking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. Here is a Google Map link showing the trailhead parking area GPS 37.372469, -88.480789.