Inspiration Point

Ben Matthews

Saturday, August 4, 2018

Hikers take in the view from Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois.

Visitors watch from the Inspiration Point overlook as the sun sets behind the horizon Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
The sun is seen from the Inspiration Point overlook as it sets behind the horizon Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
The scenic overlook at Inspiration Point is seen from Muddy Levee Road on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
The turn from Larue Road onto Pine Hills Road is seen Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. Pine Hills Road leads to the starting and ending parking lots for the Inspiration Point Trail. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)

Samanth Yenduri walks the Inspiration Point Trail with Nandu Rangineni, back left, and Justin Denton, back right, on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
A lizard perches on a tree branch Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
A patch of foliage is illuminated as light shines through a break in the tree line Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
A sign detailing the history of Inspiration Point, along with one penciled in adjustment, stands along the trail Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
A timber rattlesnake blocks the path Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)

A comma butterfly rests on foliage near the Inspiration Point Trail on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
A side path leading down to the Inspiration Point overlook is seen to the right of the main trail Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
Light hits the path leading to the overlook at Inspiration Point on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
Braden Derossett of Jackson makes his way down to the overlook at Inspiration Point for the first time Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
Visitors point out features in the landscape while taking in the view at Inspiration Point overlook Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
Initials etched inside of a heart are seen on the overlook at Inspiration Point on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
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, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
Visitors watch from the Inspiration Point overlook as the sun sets behind the horizon Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
From left, Cape Girardeau resident Matt Martin leads Braden Derossett, Kaleb Harper and Alex Tallman, all Jackson residents, back to the trail Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at Inspiration Point near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)
Aaron Jones, right, and Katelynn Williams return to their vehicle after hiking the Inspiration Point Trail on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018, near Wolf Lake, Illinois. (Ben Matthews ~ Southeast Missourian)