Saturday, April 22, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 8th public hike of the 2023 spring hiking season on April 22nd. Hiking: Dutchman Lake Loop (Johnson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This hike will be of moderate difficulty, 5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leader of the hike can be reached at 618-759-1924 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Dutchman Lake. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and waterproof boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. There will be several small stream crossings associated with hike and some of these streams may contain moving water. Hike may need to walk rocks when crossing these streams. Some of the hike will take place on rocky terrain and sloped areas.

For a map to Dutchman Lake click this blue link Dutchman Lake and a map will open up, and then click the Directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to the parking area. Driving directions from the east: From the intersection of Hwy 45 and Tunnel Hill Rd. turn northwest onto Tunnel Hill Rd. and go 5.6 miles. Turn left onto CR 1575W/Dutchman Lake Rd and go 3.4 miles. Turn right onto Fishing Hole Lane and go 0.7 miles to parking area. Driving directions from the west: From the intersection of Hwy 37 and Tunnel Hill Rd, turn east on Tunnel Hill Rd. and go 3.6 miles. Turn right onto CR 1575W/Dutchman Lake Rd and go 3.4 miles. Turn right onto Fishing Hole Lane and go 0.7 miles to parking area. If driving from the south on I-24, exit 16 for Hwy 146 may be closed.

Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River web site at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike.  A copy of the waiver will be at the Dutchman Lake meeting area for your signature.

Saturday April 8, 2023 Hike Summary

Saturday April 8th, Steve Melville led 12  hikers into the woods just North of Camp Cadiz. It was a sunny day ,with a couple of new hikers, 1 from Sullivan Illinois. We were “off-trail” over 80% of the time and hiked about 4 miles. We ate lunch and took the group picture at Ripple Canyon falls. The pool of it was clear as a bell. After lunch, we found a “pothole” arch. There was just enough water to make waterfalls flow…and stream crossings fun. 

Next week, Sat, April 15th, our hike will be meeting on Cedar Grove Road, (west of Eddyville) to hike to Crow Knob, and several trails around that area, led by Bob Mulcahy. After that, we only have 3 hikes left to do this spring. Until then, “See ya’ll On the Trail”.