The River to River Trail Society announces its 9^th public hike of the 2024 spring hiking season on Apr. 27^th. Hiking: Bell Smith Springs (Pope County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a moderate thru hike, 5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. The leader of this hike can be reached at 618-841-4838 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Bell Smith Springs. 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 four stream crossings which requires hikers to walk rocks in order to cross. If it rains prior to this hike, hiker’s boots/shoes may become wet when crossing the streams. Hikers will also be required to shuttle for this hike. For a map to the meeting location at Bell Smith Springs click this blue link Bell Smith Springs 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 Bell Smith Springs meeting area for your signature.