Abandon the car. Trust your feet. Treat your senses. If you are looking for hiking trails, the Middle Mississippi River Valley along the Great River Road has some of the most spectacular scenery anywhere and easily accessible hiking trails in the United States.
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Little Grand Canyon National Natural Landmark
Jackson County, Illinois
The Little Grand Canyon National Natural Landmark is a small, but dramatic, part of the 280,000-acre Shawnee National Forest. A small creek with a tiny watershed has carved an impressive box canyon, more than 200 feet deep, leading down to the Big Muddy River. Visitors to the Little Grand Canyon area will witness typical southern Illinois landscapes where oak and hickory forests tower above sycamore and beech trees. The area features a Loop Trail that is a challenging 3.6-mile hike that begins with a roller coaster like ridge descent to a scenic overlook. Hikers can stop, enjoy the view, and return to the parking lot or continue into the canyon below.
LaRue-Pine Hills
Wolf Lake, Illinois
LaRue-Pine Hills is one of the most unique areas in the world. LaRue-Pine Hills is a protected area within the Shawnee National Forest. There are two hiking trails at LaRue-Pine Hills. The Inspiration Point Trail is a 1/4 mile trail that leads to a rock pinnacle called Inspiration Point. White Pine Trail is a T-bone trail with stretches of 2 miles and 2 1/2 miles. This moderate to difficult trail meanders through old wildlife openings. After the leaves have fallen, Bald Knob Cross can be seen. Horseback riding is allowed on White Pine Trail.
Trail of Tears State Forest
Jonesboro, Illinois
Trail of Tears State Forest is one of five Illinois' state forests in a system that was established to set aside lands for the growing of timber needed in production of forest products, for watershed protection. and to provide outdoor recreation. There 22 miles of trails for hiking and equestrian use. The fire trails are open all year for hiking. One trail has been designed for cross country running. Other trails pass through hills and valleys where one can appreciate the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife.
Giant City State Park
Makanda, Illinois
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the park. It is along the trails that visitors can discover the “streets,” “buildings,” and other picturesque natural wonders of Giant City State Park. There are eight trails throughout the park that vary in length and degree of difficulty. The Post Oak Nature Trail is a 1/3 mile wheelchair and stroller accessible paved trail with beautiful bluff top overlooks and the Arrowwood Tree Identification Trail is a 1/3 mile easy tree identification trail through a young forest. The park is also served by the River to River Trail. Climbing and rappelling are permitted at the park in two locations. Climbers should bring their own equipment and all climbing activities at the park are conducted at your own risk.
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Columbus, Kentucky
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a sits on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The park is located on the site considered strategic by both North and South during the Civil War. In 1861 the Confederates built a fort along the bluff at Columbus which was referred to as the "Gibraltar of the West." It was equipped with a massive chain that was stretched across the Mississippi River to block the passage of Union gunboats and supply vessels in the western theater of the war. A 2.5 mile loop trail travels over the bluffs and the massive Confederate earthen works.
Morris State Park
Campbell, Missouri
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources wants to preserve the Morris State Park’s natural integrity so only minimal development has been undertaken. Beech Tree Trail, a 2.25 miles loop trail leads hikers from the top of the ridge down into bottomlands and returns along the ridge top, passing through all of the different natural communities. The trailhead features an accessible walkway with interpretive panels that leads to an overlook with bench seating. A restroom, parking area, and water are also available for visitors near the trailhead.
Chalk Bluff Battlefield Park
St. Francis, Arkansas
The town of Chalk Bluff, now long gone, was the site of several skirmishes during the Civil War, the most significant of which was the May 1 to May 2, 1863 action as General John S. Marmaduke retreated from an unsuccessful raid into Missouri. Visitors can take a walk around the wooded battle site, which is listed on the National Register, and learn more about it through the interpretive markers along the trails. The trails are paved but there are sections where the grade can be steep.
Crowley's Ridge State Park
Paragould, Arkansas
The park features 4 hiking trails. Lake Ponder Trail is a .45 mile paved trail that is handicapped accessible. Visitors are able to view the plants of Crowley's Ridge this rustic-style boardwalk and stone overlook that was constructed in the style of the CCC. Many CCC structures are visible from the trail and are highlighted by wayside exhibits outlining the park's rich history. Walcott Lake Trail is an easy 5 mile trail atop the fishing lake levee that offers a chance to view shorebirds as well as the best vantage point to view the park's bat condo. Once a favorite campground for Native Americans, the first pioneer settlers kept original names such as Dancing Rabbit Arroyo. The Dancing Rabbit Trail along this gully is cut by a stream overlooked by two swinging bridges and loops back to the visitor center. Beginning at the southern end of the picnic area, diverse plant and animal life can be found on Spider Creek Trail which winds through a pine and mixed hardwood forest. Dazzling spring wildflowers color the forest floor and fall foliage sets the hardwoods ablaze with crimson and gold.
Crowley's Ridge Nature Center
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Crowley's Ridge Nature Center has 5 nature trails on the grounds. The Habitats Trail, about a quarter-mile long and handicapped accessible, circles the pond behind the nature center. The short walk features several wayside exhibits, a viewing blind and opportunities to spot a variety of wildlife. For those who like to venture farther, trails through the woods connect to Craighead Forest Park. Colorful blooming gardens have been planted in front of the Nature Center to attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other insects.
Village Creek State Park
Wynne, Arkansas
The park has five hiking trails totaling seven miles that allow hikers the opportunity to explore this forest on their own, or on a guided trail walk with a park interpreter. The Big Ben Nature Trail meanders one half mile along Village Creek. A self-guided trail information brochure is available at the Visitor Center. The Austell Hiking Trail extends over one mile from the Visitor Center to the picnic area through lush forest and some of the park’s most rugged and scenic terrain.
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
Henning, Tennessee
Visitors come to Fort Pillow for the 20 miles of trails, which cover almost all of the 1,650 acres. The 20 miles of trails lead to the restored fortification, several other inner forts and the outer breastworks that make up Fort Pillow.
Reelfoot Lake State Park
Tiptonville, Tennessee
Reelfoot Lake is the home to a large variety of wildlife. The park's three easy to moderate hiking trails allow access to the unique wetland areas of Reelfoot Lake. The Airpark Trail is a 45 minute walk through old cypress forest and second growth vegetation. The Keystone Trail winds along the shoreline of Reelfoot Lake for 1.5 miles and is the only lakeshore trail. The Black Bayou Trail goes along the old bayou for approximately 2 miles.
