Take time to explore nature in the region

The leaves are beginning to fall off the trees, temperatures are comfortable and there's been plenty of sunshine lately. It's almost perfect weather to be spending time outdoors.

In a recent issue of "The Bridge" James Baughn wrote about several spots in the region that would be ideal to explore this time of year.

"We don't have anything that compares to the Grand Canyon, but Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois have rugged terrain with valleys deep enough to be called canyons," Baughn wrote. "In local parlance, we typically call these hollows or shut-ins, but we also have ravines, gorges, holes and even a vortex."

Baughn's list of spots to visit included the "Little Grand Canyon" and Max Creek Vortex in Jackson County, Illinois; Castor River Shut-ins and Millstream Gardens in Madison County, Missouri; Jackson Hollow and Ghost Dance Canyon in Pope County, Illinois; Hickory Canyons in Ste. Genevieve County, Missouri, Royal Gorge in Iron County, Missouri; and Piney Creek Ravine in Randolph County, Illinois.

You can read more about each of those destinations, and get directions, at www.semissourian.com/story/2348028.html.

Of course, there's plenty of options locally, too, like Trail of Tears park or the various walking paths in Cape Girardeau and Jackson.

No matter where you choose to go, we encourage you to take advantage of this lovely weather and explore the spectacular nature that this area has to offer.