River to River Trail Society announces spring hiking schedule

River to River Trail Society

Spring 2012 Hiking Schedule

Contacts: Eric Johnson, 618-499-2337; Gillum Ferguson, 630-357-9651

The River to River Trail Society announces its schedule of guided hikes in and about the Shawnee National Forest. All hikes are open to the public free of charge. Hikes begin at 10:00 AM, unless noted. Most hikes are of moderate difficulty, designed for people in reasonably good health who have done some walking. Sturdy shoes are recommended, please bring your own water and a snack. No dogs, please. The hike on March 24 will visit three of the known surviving Indian walls found in So. Illinois and will be lead by a knowledgeable local expert. Transportation between the three sites will be by personal automobile.

March 10 - The Promised Land in Jackson Hollow

Leader is Mart Watson ~ 10:00 AM

Meet at Ozark General Store on Rt 45, near Ozark, Ill. between New Burnside and Tunnel Hill

March 17 - Hogg Bluff and Cedar Falls (Johnson County)

Leader is Jim Kramer ** 9:30 AM **

Meet at Ozark General Store on rt. 45

March 24 - Indian Wall Hike (War Bluff, Millstone Bluff, Stonefort Bluff)

Leader is Mark Motsinger ~ 10:00 AM

Meet at Shawnee Mart on Rt. 145 in Eddyville

March 31 - Herod Bluff and Benham Ridge area

Leader is Eric Johnson ~ 10:00 AM

Meet at Herod Post Office on Rt 134

April 7 - Dixon Springs to Lake Glendale

Leader is Bill Gilmour ~ 10:00 AM

Meet at boat ramp parking lot, Lake Glendale, Rt 145 South of Eddyville.

April 14 - Cove Hollow lower trail, Cedar Lake.

Leaders: Anne Gaylord and Don Monte ~ 10:00 AM

Meet boat ramp parking on Boat Ramp Road at Cedar Lake. Take Rte 127 South from old Rt 13 in Murphysboro for 8.7 miles to boat Ramp Road, go East 1.4 miles.

April 15 - Work Day, RTR trail, Camp Cadiz area, Shawnee National Forest trail crew

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Late arrivals welcome, In cooperation with Forest Service. No tools needed, bring water bottles, lunch, sturdy shoes, long pants, long sleeve shirts, gloves. Meet Camp Cadiz Campground, off of Karbers Ridge road, 3 miles West of Rt. 1

April 21 - Max Creek Loop (the Vortex)

Leader Brian DeNeal ~ 10:00 AM

Meet New Simpson School, Tunnel Hill, rt 45

April 28 - Williams Hill / Sally Hollow

Leader Brian DeNeal ~ 10:00 AM

Meet to be announced probably Mitchellsville Store or Herod Area

June 2 - National Trails Day

Time and place to be announced

The River to River Trail Society is a not-for-profit organization founded by John O'Dell during the 1990s to promote completion of the river to river Trail, which now runs throught the shawnee National forest between Elizabethtown on the Ohio river and Grand tower on the Mississippi river. The Society engages in trail maintenance and advocacy and offers guided public hikes during the spring and fall hiking seasons. It also publishes a trail guide to the entire River to River Trail, available for $25 plus $5 postage and handling ($30 total), from the society's headquarters at 1142 Winkleman Road, Harrisburg, Illinois 62946.