An Unexpected Surprise

We went for a hike at Horseshoe Lake State Park the other day near Collinsville, IL.  We hadn't planned to include it in the new book until we got a mile or so into the hike.  It's not your typical worn dirt path hike.  In fact, there was no dirt path at all.  The entire 3.7 mile trail was a mowed-down grassy loop around the 'horseshoe' that followed the lake shore for most of the way, took us through a swamp, and offered more bird viewing than any bird watcher could dream of.  We are pretty sure it will make the book.

You gotta love the swamps.

Mooner's Hollow

Mooner's Hollow trail in St. Francois State Park, MO is a great place to learn about Moonshinin' and Boot-leggin'.  The trail goes back into what was once a popular Moonshinin' hollow.  After hiking along the 'crick', the trail climbs up a ridge as it circles back to the trailhead.  Plenty of open spaces that are full of wildflowers during the ridge line portion.

Everything you need to know.

Follow the blue blazes.

Emily, gettin her wildflower on!

Pickle Springs

Pickle Springs Natural Area near Farmington, MO is quite the interesting place.  A National Natural Landmark, it's rock formations are very rare.  It also houses some rare plants and animals.  We hiked the 2-mile loop, picked a few ticks off the dogs, and headed on to St. Francois State Park.

The parking area.

Twin Arches.

The Keyhole.

Panther Den, a Southern Illinois Classic.

This one is a pretty good drive from St. Louis, but we are gonna throw it in the Falcon Guide anyway.  I think most will agree that it is worth the drive?

We get asked for directions to Panther Den Wilderness all the time, so here ya go: Coming from Giant City Road in Carbondale, you turn left on Grassy Road and then right onto Rocky Comfort Road (watch for the Y and stay right on Rocky Comfort).  Pass the Blue Sky Winery and take the next left onto Panther's Den Road and then left onto Panther's Den Lane.  The forest service has made this area over and there is now a parking area at the end of the lane.

Park at the new trailhead and take forest service trail 371 to Panther Den for some sweet explorations!

Arnie, navigating the "maze".

Rat snake, I believe.

The high rock walls of Panther Den.

The Best of Missouri

So, we've heard that the Whispering Pines Trail in Hawn State Park is arguably one of the best trails to hike in Missouri.  We would have to say that those people make a pretty good argument.  Today we took a stroll on the 6 mile North Loop.  What a great trail!  The constant scent of pine trees and rocky landscape made it feel like a hike in Colorado.  We plan to head back and hit the South Loop pretty soon.

A view of the Ozarks.

Pickle Creek.

Plenty of wildflowers.

Rock Art in Illinois. Who Knew?

A few days ago we visited Piney Creek Ravine near Campbell Hill, IL (drive 8 miles from Route 4 in Campbell Hill, just follow the signs).  The State Natural Area was pretty amazing.  When you start the hike, you are walking through a typical Southern Illinois field that is full of bugs and making you wonder if you are in the right place.  But after just a short distance you quickly drop down into the Ravine and travel through a small cedar grove into a forest of hardwoods.  About a mile into the hike you come to the rock art.

A pictograph is a drawing like this one.

A petroglyph is a carving or engraving like this one.

Flint Quarry Trail

Here's one for anybody that likes to have the trail to themselves.  The Flint Quarry Trail in West Tyson County Park is perfect if you can get there on a weekday.  A nice 2.5 mile loop that climbs up and then follows a ridge around the Quarry and then descends back down to where you started.  It has a lot of shade for those hot midwest summer days.

Emily at the trailhead.

The only open view we had.

Columbines.