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Bald Knob Wilderness Area [A]
Description: Located in western Union County, the Bald Knob Wilderness covers over 5,800 acres making it the largest designated wilderness area in Illinois. A lonely unpaved road separates the Bald Knob Wilderness area with the Clear Springs Wilderness area to the west. The area here and in the Pine Hills further west are home to some of the most diverse plant life in the United States. Karst Topography or sinkholes can also be found throughout the area.
Hiking Trails: Godwin Trail runs from Bald Knob hill on the eastern end past Hutchins Creek into steeper topography finally ending at the Clear Springs Wilderness Area. The trail totals about six miles roundtrip. The trailhead is along the road leading from the town of Alto Pass to the top of Bald Knob. A small parking area and trailhead are on the right side of the road. Godwin Trail ends at the road separating the two wildernesses, but since the trail is part of the River to River Trail it follows the road into the Clear Springs Wilderness to the west.
Directions: From Exit 30 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 146, drive west 6 miles on Illinois 146 to the intersection with Main Street in Anna. Turn left on Main Street (still Illinois 146) and drive 4.4 miles to Illinois 127. Turn right on Illinois 127 and drive 8.1 miles to an access road immediately after an overpass in Alto Pass. Turn right on the access road and drive 0.1 miles to Bald Knob Road (Chestnut Street). Turn right on Bald Knob Road and drive 2.6 miles to the trailhead and small parking area on the right side of the road.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Wolf Lake, IL and Cobden, IL
Bell Smith Springs Recreational Area [B]
Description: Bell Smith Springs is located in northern Pope County and is designated a National Natural Landmark. Four creeks come together in the area that is known for its cool spring-fed pools that never go dry. The constant source of water has led to the extreme diversity of plant life found here. In addition, unique natural features such as Devil's Backbone, Boulder Falls and a natural bridge located on eighteen miles of trails give plenty of reasons to explore the area.
Trails: A map at the parking area shows the several hiking trails available. The trails are color coded and marked along the trail. These trails vary in difficulty and length. A campground and picnic area are available nearby at Teal Pond.
Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive east on Illinois 146 for less than a mile to Illinois 147. Turn left onto Illinois 147, and drive 13 miles to Illinois 145. Turn left onto Illinois 145, and drive 6 miles to Eddyville Road. Turn left onto Eddyville Road and drive 8 miles to Forest Route (FR) 848. Turn left onto FR 848 and drive 3 miles to the parking area.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Stonefort, IL
Burden Falls Wilderness Area [C]
Description: Located in the southern tip of the Burden Falls Wilderness Area, the Burden Branch of the Little Saline River forms a waterfall more than 100 feet high making it the highest waterfall in Illinois. The wilderness area designated in 1990 covers over 3,600 acres with some impressive scenery.
Trails: You need to hike only a short distance to view the falls here. A smaller set of upper falls is next to the parking area, while the main lower falls are a short hike further. A handful of user trails that begin above the falls make their way into the ravine. A topographical map is recommended for exploration in this area beyond the falls. There are no facilities.
Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive east on Illinois 146 for less than mile to Illinois 147. Turn left onto Illinois 147, and drive 13 miles to Illinois 145. Turn left onto Illinois 145, and drive 12 miles to Forest Route (FR) 402 in Delwood. Turn left onto FR 402 and drive 4.5 miles to a small parking area on the right.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Stonefort, IL
Cache River State Natural Area [D]
Description: Located about ten miles south of Vienna in Johnson County is the Cache River State Natural Area. This poorly drained area is unique because it marks the northernmost extent of the coastal plain that stretches south to the Gulf of Mexico. Cypress trees and Water Tupelo trees, common to southern state wetlands, dominate the marshy areas along the Cache River. Many of the cypress trees here are over 1000 years old and are the oldest and largest in Illinois.
Trails: There are several trails and canoeing opportunities in different parts of the Cache River State Natural Area. Two of the more popular trails in the area are the Heron Pond Trail and Little Black Slough Trail.
 From the parking area, you are able to hike the easy 1/2 mile to Heron Pond. There is a floating boardwalk that takes you over the pond into the cypress tree forest.From Heron Pond, you are able to continue for 2 miles further to the Little Black Slough. Along the way (1/4 mile past Heron Pond) you are able to see the Illinois State Champion Cherrybark Oak.Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive west on Illinois 146 for about 1 mile to US 45 in Vienna. Turn left onto US 45 and drive 5 miles to the Belknap-Karnak Highway. Turn right onto the Belknap-Karnak Highway and drive about 2 miles to Heron Pond Road. Turn right onto Heron Pond Road and drive about 1 mile to the parking area.
Journal: August 2005 - I have been to Heron Pond several times and each time it looks different. In the winter the water is can actually be seen unlike during the summer when the duckweed covers the water. This summer has been extremely dry and parts of the pond had been reduced to a muddy stew. This did not seem to affect the wildlife which seemed to be particularly visible in the area. A snake, blue herons, toads and the usual millions (okay...maybe a bit overblown) of mosquitos were seen on this visit. Bring insect repellent!!!
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Karnak, IL and Cypress, IL
Dixon Springs State Park [E]
Description: Located in Pope County about ten miles west of Golconda, Dixon Springs State Park was known in the past for its spring water. Today hikers can explore the park on several short trails. Ghost Dance Canyon, the main feature here, has impressive cliffs and huge boulders along a small creek that flows through the park.
Trails: The Ghost Dance Canyon Trail begins near the swimming pool in the park and goes beneath an Illinois 146 bridge. The established trail to the canyon is about one mile in length, but you are able to explore further into the canyon on your own. Three short nature trails, the Pine Tree Trail, Bluff Trail and Oak Tree Trail, also combine together to allow visitors access to the forest and a low bluff line.
Directions: From Exit 16 at Interstate 24 and Illinois 146, drive east on Illinois 146 for 12 miles to the park entrance on the left.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Glendale, IL
Ferne Clyffe State Park [F]
Description: Ferne Clyffe State Park is easily accessible from Interstate 24 and is a popular summer afternoon destination for many area residents. The park just south of Goreville covers 2,430 acres and has over a dozen hiking trails. The two main features here is Hawk's Cave, a large shelter bluff and a seasonal waterfall.
Trails: Three popular trails in the park include:
The moderately difficult 1/2 mile Hawk's Cave Trail takes you to one of southern Illinois' largest shelter bluffs.The Blackjack Oak Trail takes you to some of the park's best scenic overlooks. It is a fairly difficult 1 mile long trail.Possibly the most popular trail in the park, the Big Rocky Hollow Trail leads hikers to a 100 foot seasonal waterfall at the end of a ravine. Not nearly as impressive as Burden Falls or Jackson Falls.Campgrounds, picnic shelters, and stables are also available in the park.
Directions: From Exit 7 at Interstate 24 and Goreville Road, drive west on Goreville Road for 2.5 miles to Illinois 37. Turn left onto Illinois 37 and drive less than a mile to the Ferne Clyffe State Park entrance on the right side of the road.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Goreville, IL and Lick Creek, IL
Fountain Bluff [G]
Description: On the west side of Fountain Bluff in the Mississippi River flood plain near Gorham is a small collection of petroglyphs. The petroglyphs are plainly visible. Unfortunately, you will also see some artwork from some thoughtless visitors that decided they would add to the original petroglyphs.
Trails: There is not much of a hike to the site. The user trail begins at the road and leads straight into a small overhang where the petroglyphs are. You can hike further south along the bluff to a small waterfall.
Directions: From Exit 54 at Interstate 57 and Illinois 13, drive west on Illinois 13 for 25 miles to the intersection with Illinois 149 in Murphysboro. Continue driving straight, now on West Illinois 149 for 8 miles to Illinois 3. Turn left onto Illinois 3 and drive 4 miles to Gorham Road. Turn right onto Gorham Road and drive 1 mile to 2nd Street in Gorham. Turn left onto 2nd Street and drive one block to a stop sign. Continue straight at the stop sign and drive 1.1 miles to an unmarked trailhead on the left side of the road. There is no parking area.
USGS 1:24000 Topographical Quadrangle(s): Gorham, IL
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