River-to-River Trail

River-to-River Trail. The River-to-River Trail is a multi-use trail that spans 160 miles from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, passing through the Shawnee National Forest and the Garden of the Gods Wilderness. This trail connects various Illinois towns, including Cairo, Illinois, Anna, Illinois, and Golconda, Illinois, while showcasing the region's diverse geology and ecosystems, similar to those found in Pomona Natural Bridge and Little Grand Canyon. The trail is managed by the United States Forest Service in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Shawnee Trail Conservancy, which also maintains trails in Giant City State Park and Ferne Clyffe State Park.

Introduction

The River-to-River Trail is a significant recreational trail in Southern Illinois, attracting visitors from across the United States, including hikers from the Appalachian Trail and bikers from the Katy Trail. The trail's unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities makes it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts, who also visit nearby Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Shawnee National Forest. The trail is also part of the American Discovery Trail, which spans from Delaware to California, and passes through Indiana, Ohio, and Missouri. The River-to-River Trail has been recognized by the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior for its exceptional scenic beauty and recreational value, similar to the Ozark Trail and the Mark Twain National Forest.

Geography

The River-to-River Trail traverses a diverse range of landscapes and ecosystems, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, similar to those found in Prairie du Rocher and Fort de Chartres. The trail passes through the Shawnee Hills, a region of glaciated terrain characterized by rolling hills, valleys, and caves, such as Giant City State Park and Cedar Lake. The trail also crosses several rivers and streams, including the Big Muddy River and the Saline River, which are home to various fish species, such as smallmouth bass and channel catfish. The trail's elevation ranges from 500 to 1,000 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, similar to those found in Cobden, Illinois and Alto Pass, Illinois.

History

The River-to-River Trail has a rich history dating back to the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region, including the Shawnee and the Cahokia. The trail follows the route of an old Native American trail that connected the Ohio River to the Mississippi River, which was also used by early European settlers, such as Pierre Laclède and René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle. The trail was later used by trappers and hunters, including Daniel Boone and John James Audubon, who explored the region's wildlife and natural resources. In the late 19th century, the trail was developed into a wagon road and later a highway, which connected the towns and cities of Southern Illinois, including Carbondale, Illinois and Marion, Illinois.

Recreation

The River-to-River Trail offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding, which are also popular in nearby Lake Murphysboro State Park and Kinkaid Lake. The trail is suitable for hikers and bikers of all skill levels, with easy to challenging sections, similar to those found in Pomona Natural Bridge and Little Grand Canyon. The trail also offers opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with campgrounds and picnic areas located throughout the trail, such as Garden of the Gods Wilderness and Shawnee National Forest. In addition, the trail is home to several events and festivals throughout the year, including the River-to-River Trail Festival and the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail, which showcase the region's wine and cuisine, similar to the Illinois Wine Country.

Ecology

The River-to-River Trail passes through a diverse range of ecosystems, including forests, prairies, and wetlands, which are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, such as black oak and white-tailed deer. The trail is located within the Shawnee National Forest, which is managed by the United States Forest Service to protect the region's natural resources and biodiversity, similar to the Mark Twain National Forest and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The trail is also home to several endangered species, including the Indiana bat and the eastern box turtle, which are protected by the Endangered Species Act and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The River-to-River Trail is an important habitat for many migratory bird species, including the American golden-plover and the bald eagle, which are also found in nearby Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and Shawnee National Forest.

Category:Protected areas of Illinois