To get there, go there

For such a tall landmark, Inspiration Point in Illinois does an impressive job of maintaining a low profile and remaining out of sight from everyday travelers.

Near the Jackson County line, behind Big Muddy River and towering nearly 200 feet over LaRue Swamp, Inspiration Point's natural overlook can provide a vantage point over hundreds of acres of forestry interspersed with swampy, marshy ponds as far as the eye can see. The tricky part is making it there.

A lizard perches on a tree branch Thursday at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois.

Many first-time visitors must rely on a guide for navigation simply to find the trail head which leads to the lookout; it's a location best described by the saying "if you know, you know."

On Thursday, Matt Martin of Cape Girardeau led Jackson residents Kaleb Harper, Alex Tallman and Braden Derossett on their first journey to Inspiration Point.

The Jackson crew had mixed feelings on their first visit. Harper said the view was breathtaking; Derossett described it as scary due to the height. Overall, they agreed the elevation presented a calming atmosphere for onlookers atop the overlook.

A side path leading down to the Inspiration Point overlook is seen to the right of the main trail Wednesday.

"It reminds me of a movie when you're up here and you just see the one road," Harper said. "I don't know why. There's just something about it."

To find the landmark from Cape Girardeau, begin by crossing the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge and continue along IL-146 for more than three miles until the road comes to a "T" with IL-3.

The turn from Larue Road onto Pine Hills Road is seen Wednesday at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. Pine Hills Road leads to the starting and ending parking lots for the Inspiration Point Trail.

After turning left, or north, onto IL-3 at the intersection, inspiration-seekers must continue straight for about 20 miles, passing through the small Illinois towns of McClure, Reynoldsville, Ware, and Wolf Lake. Eventually, sightseers will reach Muddy Levee Road, a gravel road on the right which leads to the landmark. Although it is practically unmarked, the road lies just before a bridge over Big Muddy River.

The gravel path is spotted with potholes, although admittedly less-so than in recent years, and winds back for nearly three miles, taking travelers over a set of railroad tracks and coming to a "T" at the base of Inspiration Point.

The scenic overlook at Inspiration Point is seen from Muddy Levee Road on Wednesday.

From the landmark's base, turn left onto Larue Road and continue on the gravel for about a half-mile until a "LaRue -- Pine Hills Research Area" sign is seen to the right. Turning here onto Pine Hills Road will lead voyagers to a series of parking areas.

The Inspiration Point Trail begins at the lower parking area, and takes hikers uphill for just over half a mile before reaching the scenic overlook and continuing past it for another quarter-mile until concluding. For those with less endurance, a second parking area at the end of the trail provides a shorter, less grueling hike with an equally rewarding view.

A timber rattlesnake blocks the path Wednesday.

The entrance to the overlook is tucked away from the main path -- for hikers coming from the hike's intended start, look to the right for a downward incline located just before a series of steps made from wooden planks on the main pathway.

Katelynn Williams of Anna, Illinois, lower right, and Aaron Jones of Pulaski County perch on a rock at Inspiration Point overlook as a car begins its ascent from the ground Wednesday.

The entrance to the overlook follows a steep, unkempt pathway complicated with small trees and roots to add to the uneven terrain.

Those who manage to overcome all of these obstacles, however, are rewarded with a breathtaking view unlike any other for miles to come.

bmatthews@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652