Exploring Reelfoot Lake

Exploring Reelfoot Lake

     Earlier this Spring I visited the Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tn with my husband, Donald, and my parents. We followed a recommendation to make the drive to the area of Reelfoot Lake and dine at Boyette's Dinning Room. Well it was definitely worth it! The scenic drive and eats had my husband and I vowing to return. 

    Finally late this Summer a plan was hatched to return for an overnight stay in local lodging and to explore what Reelfoot Lake really had to offer for outdoor adventures. I did some research on the local resorts and Inns before deciding on a little place called simply enough Reelfoot Lake Inn. We didn't need anything fancy, just somewhere to rest up with our pooch, Kennedy, before heading out for more explorations. 

    We headed first to Grassy Island and made a stop at the U.S Fish & Wildlife Visitor's Center. I headed inside for maps and info while Donald explored the grounds with Kennedy. Inside I found the attendant very helpful and informative. I was elated to find maps for several canoe trails but when I asked about hiking I was informed there was only one on the refuge with hiking not recommended this time of year due to bugs. "Okay, bugs?" I thought quietly to myself, I've dealt with their kind before and came armed with a full can off Deep Woods Off. After conversing a bit longer than I should have (that's me!) I used the facilities and headed out to regroup with my pack. 

    Donald had found a wide gravel path located on the backside of the parking lot and we decided to stretch our legs on it. It seemed it was a little informative trail leading back through tall meadows which were hemmed off near the trail with a mowed area allowing one to stroll without the meadow infringing on you. The path lead back to a small pond with  a small wooden deck of questionable durability overlooking it and an information kiosk about the importance of farm ponds just off the path. It was cute, scenic, and it was quiet but there was no wildlife to be seen so after a few pictures we headed back to the car. 

    Loaded up, we headed further into Grassy Island taking the Auto Tour. As we made our way back towards an observation deck we spied the hiking trail, appropriately named, Grassy Island Hiking Trail, and we just had to stop. We didn't plan to hike very far, just another little stroll to explore the trail a bit so I left my pack in the trunk. Strolling just fifty feet down a little boardwalk at the start of the trail we were inundated by mosquitoes, the likes of which I've never seen! I've hiked in swamps and have never had so many swarm onto me at one time! We immediately did an about face and high tailed it back to the car, swatting 20 mosquitoes away with one wave of an arm. I loaded in the dog as fast as possible then waved off another attack before getting myself back into the drivers seat. We had managed to only let a couple in and those were quickly shooed out. That lady wasn't playing around!! No hiking till after first frost in the Reelfoot Lake area!

Grassy Island Hiking Trail

  The a/c cranking I piloted us down Grassy Island further to the observation deck. Layering on more Off we heard thunder off in the distance and quickly made our way down the boardwalk. The darkening sky looming in the background of the observation deck we still took the time to snap photos, ooohhh and awe at the lily pads, impressive view and astounding Cypress trees before retreating back to the car again.

Grassy Island Observation Deck

    The wind picked up as I turned the car around and as we headed back down the Auto Tour Route the trees shook angrily in the wind their leaves falling about the car as we went. Finally the rain began to fall, I fully expected a full on down pour for hours but it only lasted a couple miles before it petered out to a few sporadic drops. By the time we reached the main highway the wind had subsided but the skies remained gray.

   As we turned south and made our way toward Reelfoot Lake State Park & Visitor's Center the skies remained menacing and the rain drops sporadic. We pulled into a boat ramp area to explore but found only a sculpture of a Blue Gill an old boat slip and ramp. Rain still smattering the windshield we decided to head down to the hotel, get checked in, get our bags unloaded and see what the weather was going to do.

    Finding the Reelfoot Lake Inn wasn't hard, it was located right off the main highway, a series of five small buildings, directly across from the lake with a field of chest high soybeans located behind it. Honestly the lodging was such a horrible experience I'd rather just skip discussing it but it deserves to be told to a degree. Cleanliness was lacking to such a level I went and purchased disinfectant spray and wipes, along with pillows, the ones provided were less than pancake thickness and we'd forgotten to bring our own. My card had already been charged, I didn't want to argue and fight to get credited back plus I wasn't sure if anyone else would take us with Kennedy on last minute notice. I had such a hard time finding some where that would accommodate a 17 pound Jack Russell mix to begin with. Insane pet fees combined with rules not allowing my canine kid to sleep with us as usual had landed us where we were. The linens were clean, the floor had been freshly mopped but other areas had clearly been skipped over so we relegated ourselves to waiting till we got home to shower, doing a little light cleaning ourselves and making sure things were germ free.

   We did manage to head over to Reelfoot Lake State Park and took a walk along the boardwalk trail that borders the lake. There were many people about enjoying the late Summer season but we found everyone to be extremely friendly. The boardwalk trail made its way through overgrown lowland areas before turning towards the lake and as the boardwalk turne

d again to follow the lake shore we were now walking among the knobby knees of the Cypress trees. The weather had cleared off and it was a beautiful afternoon although still humid. We made our way down the boardwalk passing people headed the opposite direction as we went and Kennedy had to smell every single one of them. There's not much option on a boardwalk, all I could do was let him sniff as we passed. We found an observation area and took advantage of it by snapping some pictures and soaking up a breeze off the lake before reluctantly finishing our boardwalk hike. It's definitely a must if you're ever in the area. The state park also offers guided Pontoon boat tours.

Boardwalk at Reelfoot State Park

   Boyette's Dining Room does carry-out so that's exactly what we did. We took our loot of hot Southern home cooking back to our meager accommodations. The plan was to refuel, crash out early and wake up with plenty of time to get to the Western shore for the sunrise. Our meal did it's job, with our bellies full and a slightly cleaner room we settled in for a little television while trying to slip off into slumber. We soon realized the mattress wasn't of much account but managed to doze off anyways.

    Around one o'clock in the morning we both awoke, uncomfortable and having a hard time getting much rest. The thought to throw in the towel crossed our minds but I was determined to explore the area more and watch the sunrise later that morning. We toughed it out and when my cellphone alarm went off at five o'clock we were up, getting dressed and ready to go. Thirty minutes is all it took us to evacuate hotel hell and head off into the darkness in hopes of new adventure.

     I navigated us through Tiptonville and over to Champion Point to watch the sunrise. The morning was chiller than expected and neither of us had brought a jacket, it didn't take long for the sky to lighten with the first hints of sunrise. We were able to quickly see a myriad of birds standing on Cypress knees in the lake or flying above. Heron, Cranes, Teals, Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese and more flew about. Soon the sounds of shotguns could be heard echoing from across the lake, duck hunters taking aim on their prey but the area we were in was not open to hunting.

    Waiting for the Sun to come up that morning, standing in a gravel boat ramp parking lot, tired as hell, with the wind blowing up off the water, was the longest sunrise I'd waited on in years. I seriously contemplated putting my arms inside my shirt but getting back in the car wasn't an option, I didn't want to miss a chance for a good picture and didn't want to retreat to the car a third time. We withstood the early morning chill, captured some amazing pictures, and made another lasting memory before heading off to the next location.

Sunrise over Reelfoot from Champion Point

   Our aim had been Choctaw-McCutchen Rd where another hiking trail was to be along with more wildlife viewing in what is known as the Black Bayou Area. When we finally found our target a barricade with signage informed us, Road Closed. Disappointed but not fully deterred I pointed us in the direction of the Air Park, along this highway was the other end of Choctaw-McCutchen Rd but it also was barricaded, Road Closed. We resigned to head down to the Air Park where there was a back country campground and another hiking trail. We found the Air Park and pulled into a spot where a small wooden deck overlooked an inlet of the lake. We explored this area and spied another larger boardwalk further up only to discover it was gated and fenced off. Driving around the campground we found it to occupied by one camper, sparse and back county..just what we like! We did find the trail but again the mosquitoes were on an insane level, it was odd how thick they could be in one area yet others they were virtually non-existent. The Air Park campground and trail would have to wait for a Fall adventure and possible camping trip.

Observation Area Air Park 

     As we made our way North and back into Kentucky we stopped at Long Point Wildlife area where yet another observation deck stood. I found it to be as described, overlooking a field of tall grass, while beautiful with the early morning Sun reflecting off the dew, there was not much to observe. We had actually seen more wildlife on the the drive in to the observation deck than we did while there but it was worth the drive through the countryside.

View from Long Point Observation Deck

   We will be returning to Reelfoot for more outdoor adventures, armed with a bit more education about the area; it will be after the first frost and we won't be staying at the Reelfoot Inn again. The state park is adding cabins which I look forward to seeing completed, maybe on the next overnight trip.

     Our trip turned into more of a recon mission for future adventures, it wasn't perfect, they never are, but I think that's what makes them adventures. There's something about over coming adversity, everything can't and almost never will go as planned but we try not to let it keep us from accomplishing our goals. I look at my adventures the way I look at life, you just have to roll with it.

Adventure Awaits!!

My Ol Kentucky Home Scene One

My Ol Kentucky Home

Scene One

      Recently my Aunt and Uncle came from North Carolina to visit and vacation here at Kentucky Lake. My husband and I had vacationed at their home in the Blue Ridge Mountains many times, it was a pleasure to finally return the favor and to show them our "backyard" here in Western Kentucky. 

      I had spent the better part of a month cleaning, organizing, and  prepping for their visit. The lake view from this cottage is bigger than the cottage itself and when you love the outdoors as much as we do your gear can kind of overflow, all over the place if you let it. We managed to keep ours contained to our extra bedroom for the most part but with canoeing, hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting in the Fall it can look like a gear graveyard. Condensing all of that gear and finding suitable storage locations requires some creativity which I will go into more detail on in another blog later.

    The weather was good for a Kentucky Summer, the heat and the humidity had given way to morning and early afternoon storms. When the storms had cleared the area, the humidity had dropped only just slightly and the skies were partly sunny.  We, my husband, aunt, uncle, & myself, first started the visit with a trip to Lighthouse Landing in Grand Rivers where we marveled at the sailboats in the marina as we made our way down to the parking lot nearest the jetty. 

 

     My Aunt just loved the little lighthouse situated off the opposite side of the marina and her excitement of being at Kentucky Lake was evident. The four of us strolled along the walkway atop the jetty, smelling the lake water and taking the in the view. We made our way to the end where we found a gazebo centered in the circular end of the jetty where an older couple sat facing the main lake, the gentleman's arm wrapped around his companion's shoulders. 

   The village of Grand Rivers has done an amazing job with their tourism and attractions overall but the gem in my eye is the Walking Trail. The two mile trail makes it way through downtown before ending at the jetty on Kentucky Lake or at Little Lake Park depending on where you start.

   Once we lollygagged at the end of the jetty for a little while we headed over to  Patti's 1880's Settlement. We checked into Mr. Bill's where we had made reservations as Patti's dining room didn't have an opening until much later in the evening. If your not familiar with Patti's there are two dinning rooms, Patti's & Bill's both served by the same kitchen and offering the same menu. There is some slight variation in decor but you will find the same atmosphere in both. 

   While waiting for our table to be ready I took our pager, shoved it into my back pocket and headed out onto the grounds to explore and maybe do a little shopping. Patti's 1880's Settlement offers way more than an amazing meal of 2" thick pork chops and mile high meringue pies. There are numerous gardens with lighted gazebos and ever changing colors to wander. Miniature golf, a playground, an animal park, 7 different shops/boutiques to suit anyone's fancy, Old Tyme Photos, plus Patti's storefront where you can purchase homemade pies, fudge and more! You almost need a day just to explore the entire settlement. 

  We meandered down the flagstone path past beautiful flowers and plants of every assortment it seemed. Hostas, Geraniums, Pansies, Lavender, Ferns, Ivy, Willows, Maples, Oaks, and more filled the landscape. Several people were posing in front of the Grist Mill for photos so we made our past to the large gazebo that can be reserved for weddings in the center of the grounds. No wedding taking place we strolled through marveling at the decor and the humidity the afternoon was offering up. There was very little breeze on the grounds unlike the jetty on Kentucky Lake and I fought the urge to turn on the ceiling fans in the gazebo. Wouldn't want to get kicked out before I got my grub on. 

  Exiting at the opposite end of the gazebo over a small man made stream we found ourselves at the shops on the rear of the grounds with one sparking our interests enough to enter. We may find something we like or at least find some relief from the Kentucky Summer. My aunt and I entered first our husbands in tow, we found it mostly a clothing shop devoid of anything remotely close to it's namesake which had peaked our interests. Our husbands didn't enter 10 feet past the door and didn't linger long as the air conditioner seemed to be doing very little in the tight little boutique. My aunt and I looked over the racks for a bit but found nothing we had to have, certainly nothing cool to keep us there let alone anything to make us want to  try to get into a fitting room and wriggle into or out of any article of clothing. We exited to find our guys wiping the sweat off their brows and grateful we hadn't lingered to long inside. 

   I noted the time and we began making our way back towards the dining rooms via the shops opposite of the Grist Mill side of the grounds. We strolled passed another shop that looked to be  clothing boutique also , possibly cool but too soon to torture the guys again. The next shop looked a bit more our style and held promise of interests for everyone so we entered. 

   We were immediately greeted with a blast of cold air which instantly cooled the sweat that was building on us and felt like an Arctic blast compared to the outdoors. No sooner than entering we were stopped by lake decor items in the foyer that I had to pull myself away from lest I buy the whole lot. We were given a friendly greeting once we stepped into the main shop and found a myriad of items for sale. Can/bottle coozies, Western decor, shirts, mugs, hats, wall signs, and even handmade folk art. The pricing was as of wide of range as the products in the shop but we found several items to suit our fancy as well as soaking up plenty of the air conditioning. 

   Once we made our purchases I noted the time and decided to head back to the waiting area as it was now 10 minutes past our reservation time. No sooner than our party walked in the pager went off, indicating our table was ready. We were lead through a packed dining room, dodging other guests, waiters and servers which left some of our party trailing behind. A small moment of waiting allowed everyone to catch up and we were lead back to a table for four and seated. 

   Immediately upon being seated I noticed a small bucket in the floor behind one of the outer chairs and it occurred to me a busboy may have accidentally left it when clearing a nearby table. I thought nothing more of it as we were handed our menus.  We conversed over the menu selections and the decision was made to avoid the appetizers as you can find yourself quickly overwhelmed with food and no hope of completing it if you don't pace yourself properly.

  We had made our meal choices and placed our orders before the waiter returned with the signature Flower Pot Bread with homemade traditional butter and Strawberry butter. Patti's bakes their bread in small clay flower pots. The bread rises above the rim of the pot, giving it a flowering effect. It's delicious by it's self but add the Strawberry butter and you can fill up quick before your salad ever arrives. 

  While waiting for our entrees to arrive we discovered the reason behind the bucket of water. My husband had taken the seat in front of the bucket and had a small drop of water land on him. Seems the ceiling was leaking or there was an issue with an air conditioner drain any result we simply scooted the table back allowing him to move out of the line of fire. 

  Once we had snacked on the Flower Pot Bread, homemade butters and grazed on our salads the main course was served. My husband and I had opted for chicken dishes while my Aunt and Uncle went for steaks. My Aunt was quickly feeling like John Candy in The Great Outdoors scene where he eats the Old 96'er. I kept waiting for my Uncle to check and see if she was "Processing nicely" as Dan Aykroyd put it. The Rib-eye loin they had ordered must have taken up half the plate, albeit perfectly cooked steak, the other side was reserved for Patti's loaded baked potato with homemade cheese sauce. An experienced Patti's diner I had known that the steaks were large and almost impossible for a woman with a normal appetite to finish. She finally resigned herself to a doggie bag for the remainder as many do when finishing a meal there. 

  After paying for our meal we began to make our way back through crowded main dining room, my husband leading the way and oblivious to my calls for him to slow down or wait up. My Aunt and Uncle wanted to make use of the facilities before leaving but my husband bee lined for the exit unaware. I stayed in the waiting area and held my Aunt's doggie and shopping bag until they finished. My Uncle rejoined me first and asked of my husband whereabouts, I informed him he had gone out but I was unsure which exit as there were two. He chose the one we came in and went out in search of him. A minute or two later my Aunt joined me and we made our way our the same exit my Uncle had only to find him there by himself. I walked to the corner of the building toward the grounds and saw no sign of my husband. We took several steps out into the side parking lot and again no sign of my husband. My Aunt asked if he had his cell so I pulled mine out just as it began to ring with a call from guess who........my husband. "Where are ya'll at?' he asked. I informed him we were at the side exit and he advised he was at the front. A few paces and around the corner of the building we were reunited in laughter both of us hanging up our phones at the same time. 

   Our bellies full with a fabulous meal, my Aunt and Uncle having drove 9 hours already that day we decided to call it a night, besides we were starting to loose members of our party no sense it risking it anymore and there were more adventures planned for later in the week. 

   

 Follow up blog(s) to come, in the meantime Adventure Awaits!! 

   

   

  

  

  

   

  

Tradewater River, Dawson Springs, KY

Trade water River

Another hidden gem of the Pennyrile Region of Kentucky is Dawson Springs, KY and their 7 mile paddle trail down the Tradewater River.  Don't own your own canoe or kayak? Rent one from Hank over at

 Tradewater Canoe and Kayak

Located right on the river in Dawson Springs off Highway 109. Hank has very reasonable rates and will even shuttle an additional boat not rented from him at no charge. 

We found the paddle trail while searching for hiking trails in the

 Pennyrile State Forest

and instantly began planning a trip. We planned for a couple weeks with our best friend and his girlfriend to paddle all 7 miles of the trail and finally on a gorgeous Saturday morning we loaded up in our Black Chevy extended cab with our Old Town Sarnac XL 146 and headed east of the lakes region to Dawson Springs.
 We arrived to find Hank at Tradewater Canoe and Kayak prepping for a busy day despite the chilly start. Hank advised me the map I had printed off only covered the section of the river through Dawson Springs and not the upper portion and actual start of the trail. Once our friend rented a 14ft Sun Dolphin Canoe from Hank we helped him load the rental and transferred our canoe to the trailer also and headed to McKinney road to catch the start of the paddle trail.
 Our friend, Nick, owns a kayak, but it's for a single person and his girlfriend, Jackie, had never been paddling. Nick decided to rent a canoe from Hank vs. a kayak due to Jackie's novice level. We gave her a few pointers that morning and a reminder her of them again just as we set off.
 We launched the canoes and set off for miles of sernre country and quiet.

High banks of the upper Tradewater

The upper Tradewater with it's high banks didn't allow for much scenery but the wild flowers growing along the edge of the banks sporadically, mixed with knarled roots of old growth trees, and the occasional rock wall or outcropping gave enough interest to make this section worthy of the trip. We navigated past log jams from recent rains that had clearly raised the water level of the Tradewater for a time, but being a natural river it had abated to normal flow before our trip.

 Paddling our way past feeder creeks we found the only rapids of the Tradewater which could hardly be called such. A small dam just below the surface created this little section of rapids and provided a break up of the slow current.

 Rapids of the Tradewater Video

 Once we had paddled an hour or so we came to the first big bluff along the river, Dripping Rock. The massive rock outcropping hung over the Tradewater with ground water dripping from it's high edge.

Dripping Rock

 Due to the recent high water there was a lot of debris in this section but it was navigatabled, after passing Dripping Rock and a small island we looked to our left and spied a Doe standing along the bank.

We continued on, paddling past budding leaves, the ever growing green  of Spring, and under Blue skies only occasionally dotted with a white cloud or two. Happening upon what appeared to be a rather rocky bank and beyond ready to stretch our legs and get off our bottoms, we banked the canoes only to find the rock an illusion of sturdy ground. Our feet sunk several inches into the muddy silt with every step but we paid little mind, desperate to be out of the canoes. After milling about for 15 minutes or so we boarded our canoes and headed down river again. 

   The banks became less steep in this section and afforded views of pastures mixed with more rock outcroppings and the occasional high bluff.

 Thankfully Nick brought along lunch cakes as we had left our cooler with bread, lunch meat, chips, etc. back at the truck and it was taking us longer than we had expected to get back to Tradewater Canoe and Kayaks where we had left the truck.

Our friends paddle past Far Bluff

After rounding a bend we could see another large rock bluff abutting the river and a bridge crossing the river. We recognized the bridge as the one near Tradewater Canoe and Kayaks and knew we were minutes from retrieving the other cooler then finishing the last portion of the trail.

Suddenly a Blue Kayak entered the water at the bridge, followed by two more and finally a fourth. By the time we reached the bridge which now Hank stood on, the Blue Kayaks had paddle on down river.  We made our way to the foot of the stairs and Hank greeted us. I popped out of our canoe, ran up to the truck and grabbed the cooler of food. Once I was again seated and had set a pick up time with Hank at the last take out before the dam, we continued on.

I was starving at this point with little in my belly, I made sandwiches for each of us with the cooler positioned between my calves in the bow of the canoe and used my thigh as a table to assemble the sandwiches. We got the canoes close enough I could pass off a couple sandwiches to our friends as we paddled on and then another sandwhich I passed back to my husband before finally making one for myself. 

Highwya 109 bridge over Tradewater

By the time we reach the bridge that carries Highway 109 across the river we were all filling our bellies and leisurely making our way down river. We had been on the river for 3.5 hours at this point, the sun had gotten high in the sky and the chill was completely gone from the air, the day warming into the mid 70's. 

 The banks of the Tradweater remained less steep and the scenic views continued. Now recharged and almost finished we made our way past Ghost Sign Cliff to Devil's Dining Table where the river opened up a bit, staying right we paddled past a family fishing and lounging upon the banks. On occasion we would catch a glimpse of the Blue Kayaks ahead but had no desire to catch them and continued at our leisurely pace.

Ghost Sign Cliff

Devil's Dining Table

A field came into view on our right, a long rock bluff along its edge a couple hundred yards beyond. It ran diagonal in the field till its edge met the Tradewater.  We paddled on, our arms beginning to feel the days work. I began to wonder if we would ever reach the final take out, my bottom completely numb at this point.

 In my haste to finally get off the water I missed Moonshiners Bend, not realizing so till we reached Chalk Cliffs and now had the railroad bridge in sight which meant we were closing in on the finish of our trip.

Rock outcroppings along the Tradewater

 After paddling underneath the bridge the Bule Kayaks could be seen ahead as well as Hank waiting at the take out. Grateful the end was near despite the beauty of the trip I paddle harder, ready to finally be off my bottom again. The roar of the water flowing over the dam was loud and the local baseball field sat off to our left, Tradewater Pirates blazened across the grandstand.

Ashore we loaded up and headed back toward the place we started off our day, we made a quick stop to drop off the other party whom I found out to be the woman behind Kayak Kentucky on Facebook
 and had the pleasure of meeting. Shara was awesome and it was nice to finally meet someone in person who shares the same passion for the outdoors and inspiring others to get outdoors and explore. You can follow Shara, Kayak Kentucky via her Facebook page or check out Explore Kentucky 
 And Facebook 
 Or even follow #ExploreKentucky

 Back at Tradewater Canoe and Kayak we loaded our Old Town back into our truck and made the drive back home. Overall it was an amazing trip although an additional spot or two to get out and stretch would be an added benefit. We spent a total of 5 hours paddling all 7 miles, quite a bit longer than anticipated but well worth every second.
 Go ahead and Explore Kentucky!

Happy Facebook OOr

Do You Bayou? Turkey Bayou - Shawnee National Forest

Turkey Bayou

Another beautiful place brought to you by The Shawnee National Forest and Friends of the Bayou. Hidden beneath the bluffs that overlook the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois this free campground, yes free, is totally maintained by donations and the graciousness of it's savior.  

Turkey Bayou was slated for closure by the US Forestry Service, a group of passionate people and some help from a politician who actually cared, Turkey Bayou was saved. Friends of the Bayou is now contracted by the US Forestry Service for the upkeep and maintenance of the site. Donations are critical to the upkeep of this free campground, for years it was paid for privately but that well is running dry. 

Turkey Bayou Campground

Turkey Bayou Campground

Located off Route 3 just North of Grand Tower, IL and behind Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir, Turkey Bayou sits under the bluffs and in a bend of the Big Muddy River. Check in at the entrance, obey all laws and regulations posted. We do not need to jepordize the contract afforded to Friends of the Bayou. 

Fog rises off the Bayou

The campground is primitive, no potable water and no facilities. Back country camping with flare would describe it best. The site is well maintained, free of trash and downed limbs. Gravel sites surrounded by grass, fire rings provided, picnic tables, and keep to the shaded spots in warmer months. There are several open spots closer to the bayou edge and these are nice spots for Fall or early Spring but the Sun will be to much any other time of year. Mosiquito spray is strongly advised in warmer months and any other bug repellent. Yes, you will find snakes, it is a bayou, be aware and alert. We camped in the Fall and did not have problems with bugs or snakes, all though it was a cold night for a tent once or twice. There are also some trails from the back sites to the Big Muddy, they are narrow but a kayak or canoe portage is doable. A boat ramp is located just a short walk or drive down the only gravel road in/out. 

I was very pleased with the campground not being one who requires a privy and if can manage to wash up, I'm good to go...for a couple days at least anyway. We had an adventure regarding air mattresses and sleeping arrangements. My mother bought a new mattress that was to large for their use, so we traded. The trade was good till Mom's, my old one, sprung a leak and my parents spent the rest of the trip sleeping in the cab of the truck. Yes, I offered them our tent but a handicap would have made it near impossible for Mom to get up and out of the tent. There are a lot of nights she sleeps in a recliner. It worked, they had heat and stayed fairly comfortable. There's always some hiccup once you're out in the middle of no where but you just have to roll with it and make the best of things. I will say again how cold it was a few nights, upper 30's, but plenty of blankets and layers, it wasn't an issue. The dew was very heavy every morning we were there and the Fall Sun fed winds that thankfully died with the daylight. 

While you're at Turkey Bayou you absolutely must take a drive down Pine Hills Rd, again off Route 3, and you can pick up the start of the road at Wolf Lake, IL or pick it up just South of Grand Tower, IL. This scenic drive will take your breath away. 

View from Pine Hills Rd. 

The bluff from Big Muddy Levy Rd. 

The area is also known for it's ties to Lewis & Clark who passed through with the Corps of Discovery on their way West to the Pacific Ocean. Trail of Tears State Forest is nearby in Jonesboro, IL, it offers plenty of hiking trails over very rugged terrian and all the amenities of a State Park and let's not forget the tragic history of its name. You will also find the Little Grand Canyon to the North and the Pomona Natural Bridge just East of that. Further North lies Johnson Creek Recreation Area with more camping, lake and boat ramp. Turkey Bayou is a central location for your exploration in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District and a treasure we shouldn't loose for lack of funding. 

Hope you get to go enjoy Turkey Bayou and all The Shawnee National Forest has to offer! 

Happy Hiking!!! 

Garden of the Gods - Shawnee National Forest

Sandstone Bluffs

Trail to Observation Deck

Camel Rock

One last mention for the day. Another place nestled in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods. This beautiful topography was started during the Carboniferous period, and later uplifted forming high sandstone bluffs. Dramtic erosion created hoodoos or unusual formations, such as Table Rock, Camel Rock, and Devil's Smokestack.
These high bluffs offer views for miles from their ridges and striking forefront to a beautiful scene. The sandstone surface can be very slippery, making for a treacherous hike or climb when wet. Many have been air lifted from the cracks and crevices of Garden of the Gods, so I urge caution if you visit.
The Obersvastion Trail offers an easy walk around the high open sandstone bluffs and hoodoos. Mostly paved with flag stone and a distance of only 1/4 mile this trail can easily be traversed by the less cable.
Trials such as Indian Point also offer a scenic overlook with a trail that has you hiking along a rocky bluff that contains small caves and crevices. This trail is much longer and more rugged. The River to River trail can also be access from Garden of the Gods and a portion can be hiked from here. The full scope of the that trail will be covered in a future post. Many other small trails interconnect and total approx. 5.5 miles of hiking and horse trails combined.
Camping, picnicing, hiking, backpacking and horseback riding are all afforded in this little gem near Herod, IL. Take 34 to Karbers Ridge Rd. and enjoy!
www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/shawnee/recreation

Happy Hiking!