Saturday October 28, 2023 Hike Summary

On Saturday, October 28th, we gathered at the Godwin East Trailhead. Bob & Sam had already spotted vehicles at the West end. 9 hikers gathered and Bob promptly got us started at 10:01 am. We were all keeping an eye and ear out for the possibilities of changing, inclement weather. There were 2 new hikers, 1 from Columbia, IL, and 1 from Rock Island, IL. 1 hiker almost did not come with us, as he had not brought anything to wear in case of rain. A fellow hiker was glad to help with an extra poncho found in his backpack.  We started out with and kept a brisk pace. There was quite a bit of color to be seen, which would have been nicer with sunshine, but, it was still good. Our 1st thing we found was a big, huge clay well casing, that was several feet wide, but, the well was filled in with debris, so no water to be found. All creeks had no running water, just pockets, which are probably wildlife watering spots during a dry period such as we are experiencing. When we got to Hutchins creek, we took the group picture, including the hornet/wasp nest that Bob and Sam had found earlier in the week. With the cooler temperatures, we did not observe any activity. Once past there, it was a slow, steady upward climb. We took a few minutes for lunch and of course Bobs’ delicious muffins….mmmmm, soo good. (I should have taken a picture). We got to the trucks in about 3 hrs. and 17 minutes after we left the original trailhead.  My tracker showed over 7.5 miles. We then went to Inspiration Point.  I had never been there. We all went out to the Point, several climbed the rock, and all exited safely. There were a few other people there. We took our time getting out to the point and back, adding about another half mile to the days’ hiking. 

Next weeks’ hike will be at Kinkaid Lake. It will be about 75 miles for those coming from the east side. For more information, call 618-791-3086. 

Saturday, November 4, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 6th public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Nov. 4th. Hiking: Buttermilk Hill picnic area (Jackson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 7.5 miles in length, 4.5 hours hiking time. This will be an out and back hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 618-791-3086 for more information Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Spillway Rd. Kincaid Lake Dam. 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 are 3 small streams each way. Hikers may need to walk rocks when crossing the streams if it has rained. There are some steep grades for this hike, lots of ups and downs. Some of the rocky areas may be slick if it has rained. For a map to the meeting location of Spillway Rd. Kincaid Lake Dam click on this blue link Spillway Rd. Kincaid Lake Dam 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 meeting 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 website 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 Spillway Rd. Kincaid Lake Dam meeting area for your signature.

Saturday October 21, 2023 Hike Summary

On a Bright Sunny Saturday, October 21, Sam Morales gathered  14 other hikers and left the parking area at the Lusk Creek Trailhead, across from Circle B campground and headed East on Stonebottom Road. (1 hiker thinks another name could be “Hard butt” Road). There was already a horse trailer there when we arrived to start our hike. We had 1 new hiker from Norris City, IL. We worked our way down the trail, with much of the day spent on dry, dusty paths. We got to the spot where several Trail Society members have helped load buckets and animals with apparatus to carry rock out to needed spots, and a story was told about a “bucking horse” last spring. Our goal for the day was to make it to Saltpeter cave and the Natural Bridge. We found several shelter bluffs, often with a previously used campfire spot. We did encounter several small equine groups out for the scenery on a beautiful day.  The trees were starting to turn colors nicely. We had no difficulty at all crossing creeks when we needed to check out a rock feature, or bluff wall. We did make it to Saltpeter cave, and we ‘hollered’ at 3 other hikers from Northern Illinois who were camping for a few days, enjoying the scenery and weather. One hiker even found a “horse shoe boot” on a post. We also came upon 1 group of horse riders, who “Thanked” the River to River Trail Society for the picnic table we had put out in a spot on 1 of their rides over the past few weeks. We hiked about 4.5 miles, according to the activity trackers of several hikers. 

Next weeks’ hike will be on the Godwin Trail. For information, call 708-471-7500.  Until then, See Ya’ll On the Trail. 

Saturday, October 28, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 5th public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 28th. Hiking: Godwin Trail (Union County). The Godwin Trail is a segment of the R2R trail. This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of extreme difficulty, 7 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a through hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 708-471-7500 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Godwin Trailhead East. 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. Hikers will need to shuttle back to Godwin Trailhead East once this hike is completed. Some vehicles will need to be shuttled to Godwin Trailhead West. There is one wide stream to be crossed. Hikers may need to walk rocks while crossing the stream if it has rained. Hiker’s shoes/boots may become wet when crossing this stream. There are some steep grades on this hike. For a map to the meeting location of Godwin Trailhead East click this blue link Godwin Trailhead East 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 meeting 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 website 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 Godwin Trailhead East meeting area for your signature.

Saturday October 14, 2023 Hike Summary

On Saturday, October 14th, 12 hikers met at Ferne Clyffe State Park, to be led on a hike by Chris Drone. We had 4 New hikers: a couple from Colombia. Illinois, a son from North Carolina joining his dad, and a woman from right in Johnson County.  The skies were cloudy so we were not going to see any real part of the eclipse. The plan was to do the Happy Hollow trail. A small amount of rain had fallen in the previous 30 hours, but not enough to make any stream flow. We saw 2 small arches in the first couple of miles, such as “Happy Arch” and then “Double Arch”, which several people either clambered on top of, or through it. Then we found a High, but alas, dry waterfall. On the trail we also observed a spot where many decades ago, there was probably a bridge, with many flat rocks stacked on top of each other as supports for either end of the bridge. The trail changed, no longer flat and we started climbing and saw several small “cave/shelters”.  We thought, that, maybe around noon, it seemed to get a bit darker, but were not quite sure.  We ate lunch at the Main arch in the park, and took the group picture at the arch. Then, after lunch, we followed the trail and got up on top of the arch, several walked it. We then made our way to “Crocodile Rock” , (or alligator rock whichever you prefer) and took in the view through the valley to the Southeast. Then, began the long hike on the River to River trail. We got back to a junction, and 3 split off to get home and do some work. Several continued on to go to the “back entrance” to Hawks’ Cave. Once we got close, Bob Mulcahy took 2 to go “on top’ of the cave and the rest continued to the cave. Coming away from the cave, and going to the main parking area, the general area was pointed out as to the possible location of Mrs. Rebmans’ cabin, the woman who originally donated the land to the State of Illinois for a park. We hiked about 6.5 miles today. Next weeks’ hike is in the Lusk Creek area.. You Will need to call (618-384-1321) and Register for the hike, Please.. 

Until then, “See ya’ll On the Trail”. 

Saturday, October 21, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 4th public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 21st. Hiking: Salt Peter Cave, 20-person maximum capacity, Reservations Required (Pope County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 5.5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leaders of this hike can be reached at 618-384-1321 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Lusk Creek Trailhead on Straight Street. 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. Hikers will need to shuttle to the hiking area due to limited parking. The two groups of hikers will hike in separate directions. There are 9 streams to be crossed, 2 wide 7 narrow. Hikers may need to walk rocks while crossing streams if it has rained. Hiker’s shoes/boots may become wet when crossing streams. For a map to the meeting location of Lusk Creek Trailhead Straight Street click this blue link Lusk Creek Trailhead Straight Street 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 meeting 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 website 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 Lusk Creek Trailhead meeting area for your signature.

Saturday October 7, 2023 Hike Summary

On Sat. October 10th, 11 hikers met at the intersection of IL. Rt 145 & IL. Rt. 147. Bill Gilmour was our leader. We consolidated vehicles and went North on Cedar Grove Rd, then turned west on Naylor lane. We found a small spot and parked our trucks. One of our hikers was a U.S. Forest service person, Kyle, who was carrying a chain saw to be used on several downed trees. 

During our hike, at times, we were on the River to River Trail, and, on Trail 032. We were in the area of Ruby Falls,  and saw several small groups of equestrians out enjoying the day. 

We were on the top side of a bluff, then took a break at a large open, camping area. We then started working our way back being able to view a part of Millstone lake, which was very low, due to the lack of rainfall. We took the group picture on a small rock exposure, with the lake in the background. . 

The hike for Sat. October 14th, will be led by Chris Drone, meeting at 10 am.  Until then, “See ya’ll on the trail”. 

Tuesday Oct 17 Volunteer Opportunity

The Shawnee National Forest Service is looking for volunteers to help remove the seed pods from Japanese Chaff Flowers along the R2R Trail in the Dutchman Lake area. They plan on meeting at 9:00 am October 17, 2023 at the Dutchman Lake Boat Ramp. If you are able to attend and contribute to this effort, please email Alyssa Macuiba of the FS and let her know.

More information on the Chaff Flower

Forest Service has found a large infestation of Japanese Chaff Flower (an aggressive invasive species) along the new River 2 River Reroute at Dutchman Lake. Our concern is that if we do not tackle this infestation soon, we potentially could spread this plant along the entire River 2 River Trail. Chaff Flower is an invasive plant that is spreading quickly across the Southern Illinois region. Seeds are easily dispersed on the fur of animals and clothing. Since we identified the infestation, Forest Service plants to treat this area for the next few years by spraying herbicide on it. BUT this October we would like to get help to cut and remove the seed banks on the plants to help reduce the spread. Then next year start spraying and focus on making a buffer around the trail so trail users won’t pick up the seeds and spread them further along the trail. I have attached a Avenza compatible map of the chaff flower reported locations along with an identification guide. We need as much help as possible and I apologize for the short notice. We really need to remove the seed banks before the first frost which is why we would like to tackle this project this month.

R2R Dutchman Lake Reroute Chaff FlowerDownload
40 minute video on this invasive plant

Saturday, October 14, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 3rd public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 14th. Hiking: Happy Hollow Trail, Ferne Clyffe State Park (Johnson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 4.6 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. 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 Ferne Clyffe State Park, State Park Road, Happy Hollow Trails Parking area. 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 are 8 stream crossings and hikers may need to walk rocks when crossing streams if it has rained. For a map to the meeting location of the Happy Hollows Trail parking area click this blue link Happy Hollows Trail Parking Area 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 meeting 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 website 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 Happy Hollows Trail Parking meeting area for your signature.

Three Picnic Tables Installed Along R2R Trail

Trail 170 Overlook Table

Thanks to the generous donations the Society has received from many different River to River Trail Through hikers, the Society has elected to improve the trail by putting those funds back into the trail. As a result, the Society elected to tackle a project of purchasing and installing picnic tables at the more popular and heavily used camp sites along the trail. The project started back on September 16, 2023 when Society members Bill Gilmour, Chris Drone and Sam Morales met in Marion, IL at Menards and purchased materials for the first six tables and delivered them to the farm of David Hilliard. The four then spent the afternoon assembling the first two tables.

The Society has partnered up with the Back Country Horseman of Illinois (BCH) specifically to help us get the tables in some of the remote campsites along the trail. On September 29, 2023 three of the Society members above were joined by Cricket Simons of the BCH when we installed the second table at Rocky Top in the One Horse Gap section of the trail and then assembled four more tables. That brings the total number of tables assembled to six with at least three more to go.

On October 4, 2023, the third table was installed along the R2R trail in the One Horse Gap section near the point where the trail crosses Hart Creek. The tables installed to date are:

Location NameDate InstalledGPS Coordinates
The Trail 170 Overlook TableSeptember 22, 2023N37.54733° W88.44585°
Rocky Top TableSeptember 29, 2023N37.52558° W88.45367°
Hart Creek TableOctober 4, 2023N37.56163° W88.45306°

The next three tables will be installed in the next couple of months and the current planned locations include the camping spot near Cedar Lake Spillway, Petty Coat Junction, Max Creek Vortex and Cedar Creek Wonders. Other future locations are still being planned.

Sam Morales and David Hilliard assembling a Picnic Table
The Trail 170 Overlook Picnic Table
Sam Morales testing out the Hart Creek Picnic Table
Bill Gilmour and Cricket Simons Testing the Rocky Top Table