CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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2 2
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
N
8
Jacob
151
Ava
3
6
7
13
Alto Pass
Pomona
3
1
51
127
Cedar Lake
5
9
Cobden
51
Giant City State Park
2
g Bi
57
57
24
Crab Orchard Lake
13
er v i R dy d u M
Devil’s Kitchen Lake Little Grassy Lake
Carbondale
Makanda
Etherton
127
13
Lake Murphysboro
Murphysboro
4
Oraville
Trail of Tears State Forest
Grand Tower
Kinkaid Lake
4
Lake of Egypt
OTHER NEARBY TRAILS 3. Little Grand Canyon 4. Lake Murphysboro 5. Cedar Lake 6. Inspiration Point 7. Oakwood Bottoms 8. Kinkaid Lake 9. Campus Lake Trail
HIT THE
TRAILS
1. GREEN EARTH TRAILS a. Fernlands Trail b. Pyles Fork Trail c. Herbie Beyler Trail d. William Marberry Arboretum Trail
2. GIANT CITY TRAILS a. Arrowwood b. Devil’s Standtable c. Giant City Trail d. Indian Creek
e. Post Oak f. Red Cedar g. Stonefort h. Trillium
Carbondale Tourism Hiking Guide
are several trails within the City of Carbondale that provide the quiet and solitude that can only be found in nature.
If you’re in Southern Illinois, being asked to “take a hike” shouldn’t be taken as an insult. Being asked to take a hike in Southern Illinois is an invitation to enter a diverse world of natural beauty.
Nearby, explore the massive stone formations at Giant City, the hardwoods of Cedar Lake and the bottomland forest at Oakwood Bottoms.
And you don’t have to travel far to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. There
INDEX OF TRAILS GREEN EARTH TRAILS
Stonefort
22 24
Fernlands
4
Trillium
Herbie Beyler
6
OTHER NEARBY TRAILS
Pyles Fork
8
Campus Lake
26
William Marberry Arboretum
9
Cedar Lake
28
GIANT CITY STATE PARK TRAILS
Inspiration Point
30
Arrow-wood
10
Kinkaid Lake
32
Devils Standtable
12
Lake Murphysboro
34
Giant City Nature Trail
14
Little Grand Canyon
36
Indian Creek
16
Oakwood Bottoms
38
Post Oak
18
DIRECTORY
40
Red Cedar
20
PHOTOGRAPHY & TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS BY LES WINKELER
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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GREEN EARTH TRAILS
Fernlands Trail The Fernlands Trail offers a microcosm of Southern Illinois natural beauty.
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flit about in good numbers.
The trail is the centerpiece of Carbondale Green Earth’s Fernlands, located south of Carbondale. To reach the 20-acre preserve take Pleasant Hill Road to Union Hill Road. Turn south on Union Hill and then west on Kennedy Road.
The trail wanders up and down the hills and crosses the stream, but is not difficult to traverse. The clear stream that cuts through the hills features steep banks. The banks of the stream are covered with mosses, ferns and other plants associated with a moist habitat.
The trail at Fernlands immediately inserts the hiker into a mature forest habitat. The wide open understory allows hikers an unfettered view of the stream that meanders through the hillsides.
Although the trail winds up and down the hills, and crosses the stream, it is a relatively easy walk. This is not a long walk, however, the mature forest and the stream create an atmosphere that forces a slow pace.
Walking the trail near dusk, the air is filled with the sounds of chickadees and titmice. Red-bellied woodpeckers
The clear pools of the stream demand the walker’s attention. It is easy to spend a lot of time on this short trail.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
Oakland Nature Preserve
Union Hill
N
Giant City Road
Chautauqua Bottoms Nature Preserve
13
Main
Grand
Pa r
SIUC
k
Brush Hill Nature Preserve
Pleasant Hill Road
51
Fernlands Nature Preserve
Lewis
Walnut Freeman
Wall
Emerald
Chautauqua Road
Pyles Fork Preserve
51 Oakland
Flagland
Sunset
McLafferty Road
13
William Marberry Arboretum
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Herbie Beyler Nature Trail The Herbie Beyler Nature Trail in Carbondale is a pleasant walk through a hardwood forest in the heart of the Green Earth Nature Preserve. The trail is named for Herbeta Beyler, a co-founder of Green Earth, a group dedicated to preserving natural spaces within Carbondale. The thing that makes the Herbie Beyler Nature Trail special is location. Located on East Park Street, the trail is just a few blocks away from the campus of Southern Illinois University. It is just a few blocks south of the intersection of Grand and Wall streets, one of the busiest intersections in Carbondale. However, the distractions of Carbondale might as well be a thousand miles away once you take a few steps down the trail. The temperature and the hiker’s blood pressure drop considerably once enveloped by the canopy of hardwoods. The only concession to the adjacent urban area is the constant noise of
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
traffic. The underbrush is dense along the beginning of the trail, so dense at times a person has to duck under overhanging bushes. It’s so dense that it is impossible to see what lies around the next curve in the trail. After one of the blind turns the trail opens up and the hiker is surrounded by a fragrant stand of honeysuckle. The dirt path meanders through the honeysuckle back into the woods. This part of the trail features the wide open understory typical of oak-hickory forests. Hickory shells litter the trail and squirrels are visible and audible, scurrying through the dried leaves. As the trail turns down the side of a hill, a small pond comes into view. A hundred yards or so down the trail, a small stream lined with ferns comes into view. The trail then meanders back up the hill toward the trailhead. The trail is not difficult to find, but it is easy to drive past. It is located in the Brush Hill Nature Preserve off East Park Street, adjacent to the Carbondale Township Fire Department.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Pyles Fork Trail The Pyles Fork Trail is located in Green Earth’s Pyles Fork Preserve located in the northeast corner of Carbondale. The one-mile trail can be accessed from the Attucks Park exercise/walking path. The path meanders through the 124-acre bottomland forest. The trail is flat and easy to walk. The trail immediately leads the hiker into a dense underbrush. At times the vegetation is so thick it almost feels like walking through a maze. However, this short trail has a few surprises. After a few twists and turns, the maze opens into a clearing with several benches. The area is appropriate for a picnic or just a rest. Continuing along, the trail follows Pyles Creek. The small creek provides a welcome respite from the dense vegetation. It also allows hikers to catch a glimpse of some of the birds they have been hearing in the more heavily vegetated portions of the trail.
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
Perhaps the most interesting part of the trail is the amount of equisetum, otherwise known as horsetail. Equisetum is a tubular plant that reproduces by spores. Although plants like equisetum were common millions of years ago, it is known as a living fossil. When the trail begins its loop back to the trailhead, the dense vegetation is replaced by typical hardwood forest. Squirrels and songbirds are readily visible in this part of the trail. Pyles Fork Trail provides quiet and solitude despite the fact that one of Carbondale’s major streets is just a couple of blocks away. The flat nature of the trail and the solid track also make this a suitable walk for people with mobility issues. There are several other shorter Green Earth hikes located in Carbondale. The Green Earth Preserve on Oakland Street has two well marked trails. Other trails are located on the north side of Chautauqua Road between Emerald Lane and Tower Road.
William Marberry Arboretum Trail The trail at the William Marberry Arboretum, located on Pleasant Hill Road at the south edge of Carbondale, allows walkers to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without leaving town. Although just a few blocks from the busy intersection of Pleasant Hill Road and U.S. 51, the arboretum trail feels set apart from the city. The trail is an easy walk, although there are some slight changes in elevation. For the most part, the trail meanders through a mature forest, although parts of the trail are adjacent to a private pasture. The payoff on this trail is the small pond located at the far south end. If you don’t know it’s coming, the pond is quite a surprise. You round a curve on the trail and the forest suddenly opens up. There is a park bench located at the edge of the pond. It just seems natural to sit down for a few minutes and enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility of the water. Again, this trail is hardly long enough to be termed a hike. Even at a moderate pace, the trail can be walked in 30 minutes. However, given the number of songbirds and the allure of the pond, walkers would be well advised to tarry longer. The William Marberry Arboretum is part of the Carbondale Park District.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
Coyote Pond
Giant City Trail
Post Oak Trail
Devil’s Standtable Trail
To U.S. 51
Makanda
Horse Trail
Horse Pond
Trillium Trail
Quail Pond
P
Vistors Center
Eagle Pond
Stonefort Trail
Deer Pond
Giant City Lodge
Piney Pond
Red Cedar Trail
Arrow-Wood Trail
Indian Creek Trail
Giant City Road To Illinois 13
Little Grassy Lake
N
Giant City State Park
GIANT CITY STATE PARK TRAILS
Arrow-Wood Trail The Arrow-Wood Self-Interpretive Nature Trail is a good beginning “hike” for youngsters and their parents. The trail, located near the Giant City State Park Visitor Center, is a short, one-third mile flat hike. “It’s kind of a tree ID trail,” said Jennifer Bollinger, site interpreter at Giant City State Park. “There is some interpretive signage along the way that lets you know what you’re looking at. And, there is a nice variety of trees along that trail. It’s a really nice little, short, shaded trail to walk.” Some of the trees highlighted along
the short loop trail are persimmon, loblolly pine, red cedar and sassafras. Although there are no rock formations or dramatic vistas, opportunities to see wildlife abound. Chipmunk, phoebes, crows, titmice and chickadees were in abundance during a recent trip. “I’ve taken multiple pre-school groups on that trail,” Bollinger said. “It’s perfect for wee ones that don’t like to walk really far. There is a good opportunity to see wildlife on that trail as well. It’s flat and easy and a nice little short loop.” The flat nature of the trail and the solid track make this a suitable walk for persons with mobility issues as well.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Devil’s Standtable Trail Devil’s Standtable Nature Trail is a short, one-third mile hike, that carries visitors to Giant City State Park into the heart of sandstone bluffs. The trail is named for a formation that was once part of the larger bluffs. The section of rock broke away and erosion, caused by wind and rain over the centuries, wore away the base, leaving a mushroom-like formation. “It’s beautiful,” said Jennifer Bollinger, site interpreter at Giant City State Park. “You can walk under the bluffs a little way. There is some beautiful coloration in the sandstone. You get the iron oxide coming out in some of the spots, so it’s a really, really beautiful trail.” Hikers will see a great diversity of plants among the trail. The bluffs, drenched by sunshine, are a dry, perfect habitat for prickly pear cactus. In the meantime, the fissures in the rock are filled with ferns, mosses and other moisture-loving plants. The trail also features a massive rock overhang. “Also, you get to see under the bluffs there,” Bollinger said. “And, we have the actual Devil’s Stand Table, which is a really unique rock formation we have here at Giant City. It’s one of the ones we’re known for.”
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
It is a magnificent place to be during a rainstorm — you stay dry while watching the water run down the face of the bluffs. This trail is also a favorite of rock climbers. “This is where we allow rock climbing and rappelling,” Bollinger said. “On any given weekend you might see some rappellers on the trail.” Bank swallows and chipmunks are abundant along this trail. The hike is rated moderate.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Giant City Nature Trail If a visitor can hike just one trail at Giant City State Park, it should be the Giant City Nature Trail. The trail carries visitors through the iconic “Streets of Giant City,” the sandstone bluffs from which the park derives its name. The trail is a one-mile loop. It does involve some elevation changes. It is rated as moderate and takes about an hour to complete. “I would say that is probably one of, if not the premier trail, for the park,” said Jennifer Bollinger, site interpreter at Giant City State Park. “This is where you get a lot of the really interesting rock formations that we are known for. This is where you see the streets of Giant City and Balanced Rock.” On a leisurely walk through the naturally air-conditioned streets one can’t help but notice the graffiti left behind by 19th century visitors. According to information provided by the park, Albert S. and T.W. Thompson carved their names on the rocks Feb. 22, 1862. The brothers had just returned home from the Civil War. “It’s a very historic spot,” Bollinger said. “There are some interesting carvings on the rocks as you go through.” T.W. Thompson later settled
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
in Carbondale and ceded the tract of land to Southern Illinois University that is now known as Thompson Woods. But, these “streets” were inhabited well before the Thompson brothers literally left their mark on the area. Native Americans were believed to have used the shelter bluffs from protection from the elements from about 10,000 B.C. to 1100 AD. However, most hikers are more concerned with the natural beauty of the park. Wildlife abounds along the trail … sometimes even before you reach the trail. Raccoons have been known to visit the small stream that flows near the trailhead.
“This is also a great place to view wildlife, believe it or not,” Bollinger said. “If you get there early in the morning, it gets a lot of visitors. I see quite a few pileated woodpeckers, and I’ve seen some really interesting reptiles on this trail.” The effect of centuries of wind, rain and ice are readily apparent along the trail. The elements have created pocketlike depressions known as honeycombs by eroding away softer areas of stone. “It’s a very peaceful mile walk,” Bollinger said. “It’s fairly short, and there is a boardwalk along it as well. It’s a pretty easy walk to do.”
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Indian Creek Nature Trail The Indian Creek Shelter Nature Trail offers two-for-one benefits for hikers. The trail follows the small winding creek through thick lowland forest. The area is teeming with birds, wildlife, dense vegetation and numerous species of mushrooms. But, that is just part of the equation. The payoff at the end of the hike is a series of shelter caves used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago. “The bluffs here are really interesting,” said Giant City State Park site interpreter Jennifer Bollinger. “You can kind of still see where the black marks are left by the Native Americans when they were having their fires. That makes it a really interesting and historic spot at the park.” It is believed Late Woodland Native Americans used these bluffs from about 400-900 A.D. Several bridges along the trail offer hikers scenic views of the rocky creek. The area abounds with song birds, particularly in the spring. Simply put, there are a lot of things to see in this three-quarter mile loop trail. “A really cool thing about this trail in particular is it is kind of a lowland habitat, so you get some really interesting plants that are moisture lovers growing down here,” Bollinger said. “It’s a really nice short, relaxing trail here at Giant City.” Indian Creek is known as an intermittent stream, meaning it flows only after a large rainfall or snow melt.
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
However, the stream swells quickly and can be more than 100 feet wide during a downpour. Remarkably, the stream can return to a more peaceful state just as quickly. Like many of the other trails at Giant City, Indian Creek Shelter Nature Trail leaves the hiker with the illusion he or she are in the middle of the wilderness when in reality they are just a few hundred yards from the parking lot. “It doesn’t take long to really feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere,” Bollinger said. “Even though it is a lowland habitat, you really get a lot of nice bluffs there on the edge of the trail as well.” The hike is rated moderate and will take about 45 minutes to complete – unless the hiker is totally captivated by the bluffs, the bridges, or the creek. “This is a great trail if you come out to the park and you want a nice short, hike that’s really quiet and peaceful,” Bollinger said. “This is a perfect trail for that.”
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Post Oak Trail The Post Oak Nature Trail is certainly the most accessible hiking trail at Giant City State Park. Most of the trail is paved and there are several wooden observation decks looking out over the park’s bluffs. “It’s not entirely handicapped accessible any more,” said Jennifer Bollinger, site interpreter at Giant City State Park. “Unfortunately, we had to take a bridge out, but it is partially paved. “The cool thing about Post Oak Trail is there are some little look outs over the bluffs. You kind of get a different
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
vantage point on Post Oak than you would on some of the other trails.” The Post Oak Nature Trail winds along the top of the bluffs for one-third miles. It is largely wheelchair and stroller accessible. The trail is flat and takes about 30 minutes to walk. The trail takes visitors past a small pond, an excellent viewing point for birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects. The amount of water along the trail makes it a popular area for wildlife. Deer, rabbit and raccoon are common sights along the trail. The look-out platforms are also a real plus.
The trail thrusts hikers into the plant and animal communities living at the top of the bluffs. The bluffs were shaped by the meltwater of glaciers that covered Southern Illinois 100,000 years ago. Smooth, stair-stepping tracks running over the edges of the bluffs indicate the paths of the ancient waterways. The Post Oak Trail is also a good place for viewing the flora of the region. “It’s shaded in the spring,” Bollinger said. “There are quite a few wildflowers that bloom along Post
Oak. There are some little streams along up there.” Visitors who have just a short time to spend at Giant City can get a quick overview of the park by hiking this trail. “It’s one of those easy trails for people who aren’t as capable of walking some of the other trails because it is partially paved,” Bollinger said. “I think you could probably still get a wheelchair around it, although it is bumpy in some spots.”
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Red Cedar Trail The Red Cedar Trail is Giant City State Park’s trail for the ambitious hiker. The 12-mile loop circles the park. Hikers should also be wary of the fact that the trail is intersected by an equestrian trail and the River-to-River Trail. The Red Cedar Trail is marked by white diamond-shaped blazes with a red circle. The purpose of the trail is to provide a long-distance hiking experience for clubs, scouts or even backpackers. “I think this is probably one of the better beginner backpacker trails we have in Southern Illinois,” said Jennifer Bollinger, site interpreter for Giant City State Park. “It is pretty well marked. Also, there is a campground about six miles in. For the novice backpacker not wanting an all-day hike, you can do six miles in, then hike out.” Camping permits for the trail are issued at the Visitor Center. Camping is only allowed in the designated campground. Backpackers and campers need to carry their own water. Water in the streams is not drinkable without a purifier and the streams may be dry in summer. It is possible to hike the entire trail in a day. Park staff estimates it would take a fast hiker about 6 or 7 hours to complete the loop. “I would plan on at least six hours if you were going to do the whole trail … and, bring a can of bug spray,”
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
Bollinger said. The trailhead is located at the rear of Giant City Campground. Just a few steps from the trailhead, hikers will feel as if they are in the middle of the wilderness. The vegetation is dense and the sound of wildlife engulfs you. Just a short hike on the trail will result in various bird sightings as well as deer, and numerous species of plants and mushrooms. As can be expected on a trail of this length, hikers will see a variety of scenery. “Along the trail there is a waterfall on kind of the southern half of the trail,” Bollinger said. “There are also some nice wetland areas and rock formations on the eastern side of the trail. Also, there are several fishing ponds located along side the trail which would be great for anyone who wants to do some fishing on their backpacking trip.” Hikers should also note that the trail crosses several areas where hunting is allowed. Hunters are required to stay 100 yards from any trail. The trail is closed during shotgun deer season. “Spring would be a good time if you’re interested in seeing wildflowers,” Bollinger said. “Fall would be a good time for wildlife. Spring and fall would be your best bet.”
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Stonefort Nature Trail Perhaps no trail in Giant City State Park offers the hiker more bang for the buck than the Stonefort Nature Trail.
It’s definitely something to see. It’s something that someone coming to the park wouldn’t want to miss.”
The trail is short, just one-third mile, but it offers a waterfall, history and a scenic overlook of the park.
It is believed the wall was built between 600-800 A.D. The wall, in its present condition, is a reconstruction of the original wall. Early European residents of the area had moved stones for building purposes. The existing wall was rebuilt by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.
The centerpiece of the trail is a 285foot long rock wall, apparently built by Native Americans. The wall is about six feet high and is about nine feet wide.
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“It’s a really short little trail, but it is spectacular,” said Jennifer Bollinger, Giant City State Park site interpreter. “Of course it is really cool because of the ancient rock wall located there. It’s one of 11 across Southern Illinois.
However, researchers don’t know exactly why the structure was built. There is some speculation the walls were places where groups could meet on neutral ground.
“And, it’s a mystery as to why it was built. That makes it really cool.
The wall is located atop a bluff on the western edge of the park.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
The trail carries hikers straight up the bluff, parallel to a waterfall. “When we get a good rain there is a pretty nice little waterfall that runs along the trail,” Bollinger said. The trail follows the length of the wall, then circles around the edge of the bluff.
“When you hike to the top you get a good vantage point of the park as well because you are on top of the bluffs,” Bollinger said The hike is considered moderate in difficulty because of the steepness of the trail. It takes about 30 minutes to walk the trail.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Trillium Trail A person can walk Giant City’s Trillium Trail and see some of the most spectacular bluffs in Southern Illinois, gasp at the huge oak trees, spot a deer, or possibly a snake, see a variety of wildflowers, and still miss much of what the trail has to offer. The Trillium Trail begins by winding around some of the park’s most spectacular bluffs. Astute botanists will recognize jewel weed and wild ginger growing along the path. The sap of the jewel weed has been used as an antidote for poison ivy. The Trillium Trail is part of a nature preserve, meaning no plants or animals can be removed. The designation as a nature preserve is easy to understand as the trail is alive
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
with ferns, moss and lichens. Another feature is a group of rocks, known by some as “sign boards.” Over the years, hikers have recorded their presence by carving their names in the rock. Some of the names date back to the turn of the 20th century. There are other carvings in the rock including a face believed to have been carved by Native Americans sometime around 1600. However, the carving has not been authenticated. The trail eventually winds to the top of the bluff where the view and flora change radically. This two-mile trek is a rugged trail with rocky terrain and clifftop edge sections. Please use caution as the slightest moisture leaves sandstone slippery.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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OTHER NEARBY TRAILS
Campus Lake Although some people may not consider it a trail, Campus Lake at Southern Illinois University is certainly popular with walkers. Two miles of asphalt and concrete paths circle the 40-acre lake, located on the southern edge of campus. While the northern part of the lake is bordered by dormitories and classrooms, the southern and western portions of the path are more remote. The best place to access the trail is at the site of the old Campus Beach, just off Douglas Drive. While most of the area surrounding the path is well-manicured by the university, the lake and trees provide plenty of habitat for wildlife. The path
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
is heavily used by students and staff, but there are excellent opportunities to view wildlife. The western portion of the path twists and turns, following the fingers of the lake. Depending on the time of year it isn’t unusual to see snakes or turtles sunning on logs, great blue herons fishing in the shallows or ducks and Canada geese. Various songbirds, woodpeckers and squirrels are abundant throughout the year. And, although set in an urban environment, deer sightings are common place. Although walking the path can hardly be classified as a hike, Campus Lake does provide an opportunity for Carbondale residents and SIU students to escape into the outdoors, albeit briefly, without leaving the city limits.
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Cedar Lake The slight autumn breeze created a perfect morning. The temperature hovered just above 70 degrees. The sunlight accentuated the colors of the rapidly changing leaves coaching the hills between Alto Pass and Pomona. Without the breeze it would have been warm trudging up and down the path leading to Cedar Lake. The wind was gentle enough to cool the skin without chilling. It was just strong enough to fill the air with leaves drifting silently to the trail. The trail criss-crossed a stream several times. The low-lying streams, protected from the gentle breeze, mirrored the azure skies and the golden leaves. The area is alive with wildlife — squirrels dart along the path, cardinals fill the air at every turn and the exotic call of pileated woodpeckers break the silence. The trail meanders along the
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
multi-colored hills overlooking Cedar Lake to the “spillway.” The spillway is something of a misnomer, actually a rock ledge separating Cedar and Little Cedar lakes. Like many other trails in Southern Illinois, the lake is the most prominent feature. Breaks in the foliage provide views of the water and the bluffs that surround the lake. The ledge is dry most of the time, but during high water and heavy rains water spills from Cedar Lake to its smaller brother. Adventurous visitors can also veer off the trail and walk the small trail that circles Little Cedar Lake. Most of the trail features easy walking, but erosion occasionally makes footing a bit tricky in some areas. The Cedar Lake Trailhead is located just east of Illinois 127 south of Murphysboro.
To Murphysboro
Pomona
e dg Ri
ad Ro
h tc Du Wolf Den Hollow
Parking Cove Hollow
Cedar Lake
Pomo na Roa d Parking
127
Causeway Newbolt Site
Little Cedar Lake
N
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Inspiration Point What’s more spectacular, the view of Inspiration Point from the Levee Road or the view from atop the bluff? It’s a matter of opinion that can only be decided by scaling the trail up Inspiration Point at LaRue-Pine Hills. Veteran hikers will tell you that both views are amazing at any time of the year. When the leaves are off the trees the view from above Inspiration Point can be memorable. The trip up the hill is a three-quarter mile walk from the trailhead at McCann Spring Picnic Area below the bluff. The Inspiration Point Trail is not a loop, so there is an alternative for the less adventurous or those unable to handle the challenge of scaling the hill. There is another parking lot below Inspiration Point that is a relatively easy walk. Some visitors use two cars, parking one below, then driving to the top and walking down.
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
It is a fairly steep climb up the hill. The trail is adjacent to the Clear Springs Wilderness Area and the Godwin Trail. Inspiration Point provides one of the region’s iconic views. From atop Inspiration Point it is possible to see vultures, bald eagles or hawks actually soaring below you. Getting there requires a three-mile drive down a bumpy gravel road. The road follows the Big Muddy River and provides excellent opportunities to see deer, turkey, shore birds and bald eagles. Those are just some of the spectacular features of the LaRue-Pine Hills Area and the Inspiration Point Trail. While in the area it is worth the time to drive through the wetlands surrounding the Big Muddy River. Diversity is one of the best features of Inspiration Point. Within a few minutes visitors can be standing at a swamp, Winter’s Pond, and a short hike later, be peering at the river bottom from the top of a limestone bluff.
ive r
n Inspiratio Point ail Forest Tr
Winters Pond
La Rue Swamp
Drive
Ro
Otter Pond
Government Rock Crooked Tree Trail McGee Hill Allen’s Flat
Wolf Lake
Pine Hills Campground
Ware
N
127
ic Scen
e ve Le
ad
Hills Pine
B ig
Mu
dd
yR
3
Trail of Tears Blacktop
Trail of Tears State Forest
146
boro Jones
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
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Kinkaid Lake
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
Kinkaid Lake
151
To
Johnson Creek Trailhead and Recreation Area Hidden Cove Trailhead
Ch es te r 3
N It would take a day or two to walk the Kinkaid Lake Trail in its entirety. Although walking the entire trail is an admirable goal, most folks aren’t in a position to take a two-day hike. Fortunately, there are several access points along the trail, allowing visitors to enjoy the trail bit by bit. One such access point is Hidden Cove Trailhead, located 3.25 miles from the trail’s beginning at the Johnson Creek Recreation Area, about a mile east of Illinois 151 on Gum Ridge Road. A small U.S. Forest Service sign marks the access road. The access road narrows to a small gravel path before ending up in a small parking area.
Buttermilk Hill Trailhead
149
Crisenberry Dam
To Mu rphysb oro
To Grand Tower A small rock-strewn stream crosses the trail within about 20 yards. The trail then meanders up the side of a bluff through dense forest. Even through the heavy foliage of late spring or summer, the clear pools of the stream remain visible below. This part of the trail is typical of a mature oakhickory forest. The entire trail is 16 miles long. The Hidden Cove Trailhead is about six miles from the Buttermilk Hill Trailhead, which in turn is about seven miles from the State Trailhead at the Kinkaid Lake dam. Parts of the trail utilize old county roads. Some parts of the trail are covered with gravel. Other parts are packed dirt. The trail roughly
follows the south and west shoreline of Kinkaid Lake. The trail is not meticulously manicured, but offers a deep woods experience. There are not of lot of serious hills, and in most areas the lake is visible from the trail. Kinkaid Lake is just a 10 to 15 minute stroll from the Hidden Cove Trailhead. The path winds around the cove and down the lake. And, even in areas of the trail that offer no view of the lake, the occasional squawking of a great blue heron serves as a reminder that the water is never far away. Primitive camping is allowed along U.S. Forest Service property. Hikers will also note that parts of the trail are utilized by equestrians.
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Lake Murphysboro Lake Murphysboro State Park’s Walk Away hiking trail lets a person get away from it all without going very far. The three-mile loop can be accessed at a couple of locations along the park road. It doesn’t matter where a person joins the trail, it feels like you are deep in the woods in just a matter seconds. The best marked trail access is where the park road splits, leading to the Oak Point Picnic Area in one direction and the Water Lily Camping Area in another direction. The trailhead is actually located in the Big Oak Campground parking lot. Heading west from the park road, the trail follows the edge of a ridge. While the understory is wide open, the forest is dense enough that views of the valley below are obstructed. It is also dense enough that a breeze creating a stir in the canopy can be largely unnoticed on the trail. Although the trail never leads far from the road, the overriding feature of
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
the hike is the quiet. If the trail isn’t littered with drying leaves, it’s likely the only sounds that will be heard are the rustling of the wind, the barking of squirrels or the occasional songbird. The trail follows the edge of the ridge for several hundred yards before a long wooden staircase appears. The staircase leads down into a valley. Once in the valley, the trail narrows considerably. Obviously, most people follow the edge of the ridge, then double back. Fall wildflowers and mushrooms are abundant, especially in low-lying areas. The remains of several decaying trees were virtually invisible beneath layers of mushrooms. Several small streams cross the trail in the low area. However, bridges have been constructed at each crossing. The sign at the beginning of the trail rates the trail as a moderate hike. Hiking was easy until the trail began climbing the side of the ridge. The moderate designation is easily understandable at this point.
Lake Shore Picnic Area
Walk-Away Trail
N Oak Point Picnic Area
Lake Murphysboro
Pine Circle Picnic Area Hickory Cove
To Kinkaid Lake
Shady Grove Picnic Area
Picnic Area
127
To Chester
3
Dam Park Entrance
Park Office
149 Murphysboro
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Little Grand Canyon The Little Grand Canyon is one of the most viewed areas on the west side of the Shawnee National Forest. And, it’s been a major attraction for a number of years. The area now known as Little Grand Canyon Ecological Area was purchased by the government in tracts from 1935-37. Steps along the 3.6-mile trail were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s. The loop trail takes a hiker along the top of a ridge, and down into the canyon. Some areas, particularly Chalk Bluff, offer spectacular views. The Big Muddy River, Turkey Bayou and the Missouri bluffs are visible from some areas atop the ridge. The Big Muddy and Turkey Bayou are not visible during the summer because of foliage. However, the canyon is spectacular in itself. At the base of a huge bluff at Swallow Rock, the small stream that formed Little Grand Canyon flows into the Big Muddy River. It is these types of views that have
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
drawn visitors to Little Grand Canyon. Although the trail is well-marked, paved or rocked, it is not necessarily an easy walk. The rocks can be treacherous when wet, and there is a 360-foot climb from the canyon floor to the parking lot. Fortunately, there are several places along the trail to catch your breath. Although the trail receives a lot of use, wildlife is abundant, especially early in the morning. The Little Grand Canyon is also known for its abundant flora. There are about 650 flowering species and 27 fern-like species in the area. Hikers should be advised that the sandstone overhangs provide dens for copperhead, timber rattlesnakes and various species of nonvenomous snakes. Because the Little Grand Canyon has been designated an ecological area, hikers are not allowed to remove any plants or animals. Camping is not allowed.
To Murphysboro
N Swallow Rock
127 e Ro ad Ridg
Chalk Bluff P
Little Grand Canyon
Etherton
Hick ory
Big Muddy River
Vista
on ert Eth
d Roa
127
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Oakwood Bottoms In terms of human traffic, Oakwood Bottoms isn’t a hub of activity.
attracted by the acres of water and large stands of pin oaks.
However, if you take the time to enjoy the subtle beauties of the area, its importance as a wildlife area becomes readily apparent. Oakwood Bottoms was built by the U.S. Forest Service as a waterfowl feeding and rest area in the early 1960s.
The hiking trail at Oakwood Bottoms is fairly modest. Several bridges help walkers cross the pond that dominate the area. And, there is a 660-foot boardwalk that puts visitors into the heart of the bottomland forest.
Just enjoying the view from the parking lot, you might see a coot swimming about, or belted kingfishers darting through the air, or at the right time of the year, even a little blue heron. Songbirds, squirrels and turkey are everywhere. Winter and spring visitors will be treated to the sights and sounds of Canada geese, snow geese, white-fronted geese and ducks of nearly every stripe and color. Located on the Mississippi Flyway, Oakwood Bottoms is particularly popular with ducks who use the place as a refueling depot on their northern and southern migratory flights. The ducks are
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
On the boardwalk visitors are likely to see a variety of songbirds and several species of woodpecker. During the wetter periods of the year the boardwalk is surrounded by water, a perfect habitat for dabbling ducks, kingfishers, blue herons and great egrets. The boardwalk, located at the end of a paved path, contains several interpretive sites. The paved path and boardwalk make the areas largely wheelchair accessible. While the trail at Oakwood Bottoms is short, there is plenty more to see. It is a short drive to Turkey Bayou, and Inspiration Point is just a short distance.
Gorham Gorh am R oad Overlook
N 3
Waterfall
Fountain Bluff
Oakwood Bottoms
Big Mu ddy Riv er
Turkey Bayou
Walk of Life Loop Oakwood Bottoms Road
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DIRECTORY
EATERIES Aban Kitchen
China Wok
Don Taco
Arnie’s Sandwiches
Common Grounds Coffeehouse
Dunkin’ Donuts
Bandanas Bar-B-Q
Cool Spoons Frozen Yogurt & Treats
114 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-490-1455 www.facebook.com/Aban-Kitchen
2031 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62903 618-529-4300 www.arniessandwiches.com
309 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-490-1777 www.bandanasbbq.com
Blend Tea & Crepe Lounge 719 S. University Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-300-1088 www.facebook.com/ blendteaandcrepe
Chicago Hot Dogs and Shrimp 603 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-5707 www.mychicagohotdog.com
Chilis Grill and Bar
1240 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-8083 www.chilis.com
China Express
903 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-3991 www.chinaexpresscarbondale. com
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883 E. Grand Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-5900 www.chinawokcarbondale.com
600 E. Grand Avenue #6 Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-4180 www.mycommongrounds.com
695 N. Giant City Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-5030 www.facebook.com/CoolSpoons
Cristaudo’s Café & Bakery 209 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-4303 www.cristaudos.com
Dairy Queen 508 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-5346 www.dairyqueen.com
Delish 7 Spice Grill
600 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-1010 www.delish7spice.com
Domino’s Pizza 887 E Grand Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-2333 www.dominos.com
CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
600 E. Grand Avenue #1 Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-1177 www.dontacoincarbondale.com
1181 Rendleman Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-490-1398 www.dunkindonuts.com
El Greco
516 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-0303 www.elgreco.cdale.biz
El Paisano Taqueria
100 N. Glenview Drive Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-8159 www.facebook.com/618elpaisano
Fat Bottom Betty’s
2310 Reed Station Parkway Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-3625 www.fatbottombettys.com
Fat Patties
611 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-3287 www.fat-patties.net
Fazoli’s
1120 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-4852 www.fazolis.com
Flame Grill and Bar
501 E. Walnut Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-8242 www.facebook.com/Flame-GrillBar-
Fujiyama Japanese Steakhouse
715 N. Giant City Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-2000 www.fujiyamasil.com
Global Gourmet 102 E. Jackson Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-0771 www.globalcarbondale.com
Happy Reunion Chinese Resturant 1901 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-9509 www.facebook.com/pages/ Happy-Reunion
Harbaugh’s Café 901 B S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-9897 www.harbaughscafe.net
Hunan Fine Chinese Cuisine 710 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-1108 www.hunaninc.com
Italian Village
405 S. Washington Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-6559 www.carbondaleilrestaurant.com
Jimmy John’s
Lonestar Steakhouse
519 1/2 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-3334 www.jimmyjohns.com
1160 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-2556 www.lonestarsteakhouse.com
Kaya Korean and Japanese Steakhouse
817 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-0968 www.facebook.com/KayaJapanese-Sushi-and-KoreanFoods
La Amistad Mexican Cuisine 519 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-1500 www.laamistadrestaurant.com
La Unica Bakery 213 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-6513 www.facebook.com/ BakeryPanaderia-La-Unica-
100 E. Jackson Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-4488 www.longbranchcafeandbakery. com
Mary Lou’s Grill 118 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-5084 www.marylous.cdale.biz
McAlister’s Deli 1382 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-319-4028 www.mcalistersdeli.com
Mélange Café 607 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-7555 www.facebook.com/ melangecafe62901
Larry’s House of Cakes
1807 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-519-9378 www.larryshouseofcakes.com
Legend’s of Walker’s Bluff
Longbranch Café and Bakery
Moe’s Southwest Grill 715 N. Giant City Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-4200 www.moes.com
326 Vermont Road Carterville, IL 62918 618-559-4893 www.walkersbluff.com/legendsrestaurant
New Kahala 600 E. Grand Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-3388 www.newkahala.com
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DIRECTORY
EATERIES
(CONTINUED)
Newell House
QQ Bubble Tea
Sunny Street Café
Pagliai’s Pizza and Pasta
Quatro’s Pizza
Tequila’s Mexican Restaurant
201 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-6400 www.thenewellhouse.com
509 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-0321 www.ourpags.com
Panera Bread Co. 1126 E. Walnut Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-5755 www.panerabread.com
Pinch Penny Pub 700 E. Grand Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-3348 www.pinchpennypub.com
Pita Alley
1711 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-6111 www.facebook.com/Pita-AlleyCarbondale-Illinois-
Primo’s Pizza
604 E. Park Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-9999 www.primospizzacarbondale.com
Qin Guan Resturant
1285 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-1222 www.qinguanbuffet.com
701 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-7000 www.facebook.com/pages/ QQ-Bubble-Tea
218 W. Freeman Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-5326 www.quatros.com
Reema’s Indian Cuisine
709 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-6666 www.facebook.com/ReemasIndian-Cuisine-
S&B Burger Joint 1237 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-2191 www.sandbburgers.com
Sabor de Mel
606 S. Illinois Ave, Suite 2 Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-2292 www.sabordemel.cdale.biz
Sam’s Café
521 South Illinois Avenue Carbondale, Il 62901 618-549-2234
Sbarros
1255 Lincoln Dr Carbondale, IL 62901 618-453-3766
900 E. Walnut Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-3447 www.sunnystreetcafe.com
100 N. Glenview Drive Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-4026 www.tequilasmexicanrestaurants. com
Thai Taste
100 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-6900 www.thaitastecarbondale.com
The Grotto
201 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-6400 www.thenewellhouse.com
Tres Hombres
119 N. Washington Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-3308 www.treshombrescarbondale.com
Underground Barrel Room and Grill
717 S. University Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-490-1586 www.undergroundbarrelroom. com
Wise Guys Pizza and Subs 102 W. College Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-7777
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CARBONDALE TOURISM HIKING GUIDE
SHOPS LODGING Carbondale Cycles
303 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-6863 www.facebook.com/pages/ Carbondale-Cycle-Shop
Phoenix Cycles
300 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-3612 www.facebook.com/pci3612/
Priority Sports 106 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-3097 www.prioritysports.com
Shawnee Trails Wilderness Outfitters
222 W. Freeman Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-2313 www.shawneetrailssouthernil.com
The Bike Surgeon 406 S. Illinois Avenue Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-4521 www.thebikesurgeon.com
HOTELS
MOTELS
Best Western Saluki Inn
America’s Best Value Inn & Suites
801 N. Giant City Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-351-6611 www.bestwestern.com
Days Inn & Suites
2400 N. Reed Station Road Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-2720 www.daysinn.com
Holiday Inn and Conference Center
2300 N. Reed Station Parkway Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-2600 www.holidayinn.com
Hampton Inn
2175 N. Reed Station Parkway Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-6900 www.carbondale.hamptoninn. com
Quality Inn
1415 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-4244 www.choicehotels.com
Super 8 Carbondale
1180 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-8822 www.super8.com
700 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-5566 www.americasbestvalueinn. com
Econo Lodge & Suites 801 E. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-3347 www.econolodge.com
Heritage Motel
1209 W. Main Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-457-4142 www.heritagemotelcarbondale. com
BED AND BREAKFASTS
The Pine Manor Estate 26 Pine Lake Drive Carbondale, IL 62901 618-529-0252 www.thepinemanor.com
Train Inn B&B 406 E. Stoker Street Carbondale, IL 62901 618-549-1717 www.train-inn.com
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126 S. Illinois Ave. Carbondale, IL 62901
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