Saturday, October 28, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 5th public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 28th. Hiking: Godwin Trail (Union County). The Godwin Trail is a segment of the R2R trail. This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of extreme difficulty, 7 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a through hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 708-471-7500 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Godwin Trailhead East. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks. No dogs please. Hikers will need to shuttle back to Godwin Trailhead East once this hike is completed. Some vehicles will need to be shuttled to Godwin Trailhead West. There is one wide stream to be crossed. Hikers may need to walk rocks while crossing the stream if it has rained. Hiker’s shoes/boots may become wet when crossing this stream. There are some steep grades on this hike. For a map to the meeting location of Godwin Trailhead East click this blue link Godwin Trailhead East and a map will open up, and then click the Directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to the meeting area. Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River website at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the Godwin Trailhead East meeting area for your signature.

Saturday October 14, 2023 Hike Summary

On Saturday, October 14th, 12 hikers met at Ferne Clyffe State Park, to be led on a hike by Chris Drone. We had 4 New hikers: a couple from Colombia. Illinois, a son from North Carolina joining his dad, and a woman from right in Johnson County.  The skies were cloudy so we were not going to see any real part of the eclipse. The plan was to do the Happy Hollow trail. A small amount of rain had fallen in the previous 30 hours, but not enough to make any stream flow. We saw 2 small arches in the first couple of miles, such as “Happy Arch” and then “Double Arch”, which several people either clambered on top of, or through it. Then we found a High, but alas, dry waterfall. On the trail we also observed a spot where many decades ago, there was probably a bridge, with many flat rocks stacked on top of each other as supports for either end of the bridge. The trail changed, no longer flat and we started climbing and saw several small “cave/shelters”.  We thought, that, maybe around noon, it seemed to get a bit darker, but were not quite sure.  We ate lunch at the Main arch in the park, and took the group picture at the arch. Then, after lunch, we followed the trail and got up on top of the arch, several walked it. We then made our way to “Crocodile Rock” , (or alligator rock whichever you prefer) and took in the view through the valley to the Southeast. Then, began the long hike on the River to River trail. We got back to a junction, and 3 split off to get home and do some work. Several continued on to go to the “back entrance” to Hawks’ Cave. Once we got close, Bob Mulcahy took 2 to go “on top’ of the cave and the rest continued to the cave. Coming away from the cave, and going to the main parking area, the general area was pointed out as to the possible location of Mrs. Rebmans’ cabin, the woman who originally donated the land to the State of Illinois for a park. We hiked about 6.5 miles today. Next weeks’ hike is in the Lusk Creek area.. You Will need to call (618-384-1321) and Register for the hike, Please.. 

Until then, “See ya’ll On the Trail”. 

Saturday, October 21, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 4th public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 21st. Hiking: Salt Peter Cave, 20-person maximum capacity, Reservations Required (Pope County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 5.5 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leaders of this hike can be reached at 618-384-1321 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Lusk Creek Trailhead on Straight Street. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks, No dogs please. Hikers will need to shuttle to the hiking area due to limited parking. The two groups of hikers will hike in separate directions. There are 9 streams to be crossed, 2 wide 7 narrow. Hikers may need to walk rocks while crossing streams if it has rained. Hiker’s shoes/boots may become wet when crossing streams. For a map to the meeting location of Lusk Creek Trailhead Straight Street click this blue link Lusk Creek Trailhead Straight Street and a map will open up, and then click the Directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to the meeting area.  Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River website at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the Lusk Creek Trailhead meeting area for your signature.

Saturday October 7, 2023 Hike Summary

On Sat. October 10th, 11 hikers met at the intersection of IL. Rt 145 & IL. Rt. 147. Bill Gilmour was our leader. We consolidated vehicles and went North on Cedar Grove Rd, then turned west on Naylor lane. We found a small spot and parked our trucks. One of our hikers was a U.S. Forest service person, Kyle, who was carrying a chain saw to be used on several downed trees. 

During our hike, at times, we were on the River to River Trail, and, on Trail 032. We were in the area of Ruby Falls,  and saw several small groups of equestrians out enjoying the day. 

We were on the top side of a bluff, then took a break at a large open, camping area. We then started working our way back being able to view a part of Millstone lake, which was very low, due to the lack of rainfall. We took the group picture on a small rock exposure, with the lake in the background. . 

The hike for Sat. October 14th, will be led by Chris Drone, meeting at 10 am.  Until then, “See ya’ll on the trail”. 

Saturday, October 14, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 3rd public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 14th. Hiking: Happy Hollow Trail, Ferne Clyffe State Park (Johnson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 4.6 miles in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 618-926-3250 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at Ferne Clyffe State Park, State Park Road, Happy Hollow Trails Parking area. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks, No dogs please. There are 8 stream crossings and hikers may need to walk rocks when crossing streams if it has rained. For a map to the meeting location of the Happy Hollows Trail parking area click this blue link Happy Hollows Trail Parking Area and a map will open up, and then click the directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to the meeting area. Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River website at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the Happy Hollows Trail Parking meeting area for your signature.

Saturday September 30, 2023 Bike/Hike Summary

On Saturday September 30th, 7 hikers met Bill Gilmour, the hike leader at the Vienna City park to bike 7 miles up to the North end of the Breeden Trestle on the Tunnel Hill bike trail. 2 other hikers met at Sandborn Junction and walked the 1.5 miles South to the meeting point. Bill led a total of 9 hikers, eastward, into the woods, along an old trail, until we found a bluff line. We followed the lower bluff line. We found several shelter bluffs, and a natural spring. an open glade, saw where the re-working of a power line was taking place, with all the soil conservation measures in place. We also walked into a nest of ground bees, that 2 people got stung by, with a pair having to turn back due to the severeness of a sting. We saw 1 active game camera, and turned back, due to possible encroachment on private property, and then found a wonderful natural arch. We also found, in 1 shelter bluff, the ‘markings’ of someone who had desecrated the shelter bluff. 2 new hikers joined us, 1 from the Effingham, Illinois area, and 1 from Missouri. It was pretty warm out, but, everyone was able to deal with the heat. This was our 1st “bike & hike” since 2014. 

Next weeks’ hike will be led by Bill Gilmour, taking place in the Millstone lake area. ,meeting at the intersection of IL. Rt. 147 & Cedar Grove church road. 

Until then, See ya on the trail, 

Respectfully submitted, 

Saturday, October 7, 2023 Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 2nd public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Oct. 7th. Hiking: Millstone Lake Trail #32 & the R2R Trail (Johnson County). This hike is free and open to the public. This will be a hike of moderate difficulty, 5.2 miles or less in length, 4 hours hiking time. This will be a loop hike. The leader of this hike can be reached at 270-331-1553 for more information. Hikers should meet at 10:00 am at the intersection of Hwy 147 and Cedar Grove Church Road. This hike is intended for people in good health who have done some hiking. Hiking sticks and boots or sturdy shoes are recommended. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks, No dogs please. Hikers will need to Carpool to trailhead due to limited parking at the trailhead location. There are 3 streams to be crossed and hikers may need to walk rocks when crossing streams if it has rained. For a map to the meeting location of Hwy 147 and Cedar Grove Church Road click this blue link Hwy 147 & Cedar Grove Church Road and a map will open up, and then click the directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to the meeting area. Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River website at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the Hwy 147 & Cedar Grove Church Road meeting area for your signature.

Saturday, September 30, 2023 Bike/Hike Announcement

The River-to-River Trail Society announces its 1st public hike of the 2023 fall hiking season on Sept. 30th. This is a bike & hike excursion, biking and hiking Tunnel hill Trail (Johnson County). This bike and hike are free and open to the public. This will be a bike ride of 14.5 or 19 miles, 2 hours’ time, and a hike of 2 miles, 2 hours’ time, bushwhacking. The leader of this bike and hike can be reached at 270-331-1553 for more information. Bikers should meet at 10:00 am at the Vienna City Park. This bike and hike are intended for people in good health who have done some biking and hiking. Hiking sticks and sturdy shoes are recommended. Bring a bike lock to lock bikes together or to a tree. Hikers should bring their own water and snacks, No dogs please. The bike ride is along the Tunnel Hill Trail. The hike is along a bluff line to a spring. For a map to Vienna City Park click this blue link Vienna City Park and a map will open up, and then click the directions button and a driving map will be created which will allow you to plan your driving directions to the meeting area. Prior to participating in any hikes, the River-to-River Trail Society requests that all hikers read the 2023 Trail Society Waiver which can be found on the River-to-River web site at the following link River-to-River Trail Society Information and then sign off on this waiver prior to the beginning of the hike. A copy of the waiver will be at the Vienna City Park meeting area for your signature.

Saturday May 6, 2023 Hike Summary

On Saturday morning May 6th, was our last hike of the Spring 2023 hiking season. Fred Scott was our leader. We met at Taylor Methodist church parking lot on U.S. Rt. 45, North of Vienna, We then moved to the trailhead at the end of Taylor Ridge rd. Fred led 7 of us out, and our 1st pause was at the Taylor Ridge Overlook. Fred had cautioned us about some of the trail being “wooly’ and other thoughts, so we all ‘sprayed down’  profusely with insect repellant.  Green foliage was abundant, which did limit our views somewhat. But, it Was a very pleasant day for hiking. In a crevice, 1 hiker found an orange salamander that was about 3 inches long. We did find a few small waterfalls…that were…..alas…dry. We got to Max creek, crossed it …then recrossed it several times. Bill led us to “Gay Cave”, which had a “fortress’ built in it… Quite substantial.  We ate lunch at a ‘horse parking’ area, then went up to the main waterfall, which was dribbling and we took the group picture. On our way out, we did find an old house spot, which was evidenced by a large area of daffodil plants. 

We, the Trail Society board, wish to say “Thank You” for choosing to hike with us this spring. We have had hikers from several surrounding states and far points in Illinois. 

If you have a suggestion for a hike, or, anything else, please let a board member know. We are already thinking about the Fall 2023 hiking season.  We are also always looking for people who might be interested in leading a hike. 

I also want to take space to Thank Everyone who helped in some way…from all the hike leaders who planned and pre-scouted their hikes, to people who helped shuttle hikers with their vehicles and anyone I might have missed. Without your help & assistance, it just doesn’t flow smoothly. 

Our next ‘event’ will be our annual meeting, which will be held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at the Vienna, Illiinois city park.  We will have a speaker, a short business meeting and then a meal. There Will be an official notice sent out via email through the website. and then posted to our  facebook page.  We encourage people to bring their bikes for a ride, or walk, on the Tunnel Hill trail afterwards. 

Until then, “See Ya’ll  on the Trail”.  I am looking forward to it. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Chris Drone

Saturday April 29, 2023 Hike Summary

Saturday morning, April 29th, 17 hikers, with Chris Drone as guide leader, gathered at the old Shawnee mart at Eddyville, Illinois.  We had new hikers from Livingston county Illinois, and, from Northwest Tennessee. In fact, we had as many New hikers with us today, as returning hikers.   We then ‘cara-vehicled’ out to the Sand Cave parking area.and headed towards Sand Cave, but then veered South, along several trails “03_” during the course of the hike. Using the switched-back trails, we made it ‘down’, crossed a creek, then veered left onto a trail. There was just enough water to make small streams flow a bit. We crossed the River to River trail, and an old roadbed, which eventually ended up at a stream. We had wondered if we might get some rain during the hike, but, we stayed completely dry. At 1 stream crossing, an observant hiker saw a crawfish, which, although looking dead, had a bunch of eggs on its underside. We ate lunch at Ruby (Holmquist, a well known equestrian) Falls. We then headed on down the trail, making our way along the upper part of Bay creek, which forms Millstone lake. We made our way to Maxwell Ford. Some hikers had been up the creek kayaking just a few weeks before, and remarked that the water level had dropped 6-8 ft. or more. We took the group picture at the big horseshoe bend in Bay creek against the backdrop of a small bluffline. We made our way back to the “split point, where, just prior to that, we took a look at some nice low shelter bluffs, including Fern cave, with 1 last trickling waterfall. Upon arriving back at the Sand Cave trail, many took the short trek to Sand cave, and then all headed out.  We totalled almost 7 miles today .

Next Week, Saturday May 6th, Fred Scott will lead our last hike of the Spring 2023 hiking season, meeting at Taylor church on U.S. Rt. 45, just South of the Ozark turn off. Until then, “See ya’ll On the Trail”.