The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 9^th public hike of the 2023 spring hiking season on April 29^th. Hiking: Ruby Falls/Bay Creek (Pope County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 6 miles in length, 4.5 hours hiking time. We will have to shuttle to get to the hiking area. This will be a loop hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 618-926-3250 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at the Shawnee Mart Eddyville. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please.

There will be several streams to cross which may contain moving water and hikers may need to walk rocks in order to cross some of the streams. Some of this hike will take place on rocky terrain and sloped areas. 75% of this hike will be on trail. For a map to the Shawnee Mart Eddyville click this blue link Shawnee Mart Eddyville 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 north: From the intersection of Hwy 45 and Hwy 145 turn southeast on Hwy 145-S and go 17 miles. Turn left into Shawnee Mart parking area. Driving directions from the south: From the intersection of Hwy 146 and Hwy 147 Turn Northeast on Hwy 147 and go 12.7 miles. Turn left onto Hwy 145 and go 5.4 miles. Turn right into Shawnee Mart parking area.

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 Shawnee Mart meeting area for your signature.