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Adventures with Uncle Bob

I recommend to you Mantle Rock Nature Preserve in nearby Kentucky.

Directions: Take the free ferry at Cave-in-the Rock, Illinois. The ferry runs from 6 AM to 9:40 PM, 7 days a week. Expect a long wait on holiday weekends. Upon crossing take a right on KY 135 and travel approx 20 miles on this pretty, but winding drive. At Joy Crossroads, turn right and follow KY 133, 2.2 miles and look for a historical marker on your left. Turn onto this unmarked gravel road to the parking area by the port-a-potties. Walk down the lane to the information kiosk..

At 0.44 mile you are treated to a 30 foot high, 188 ft long natural bridge. Trees impede a good camera shot (I recommend that you take a shot of both ends and splice the halves together). If you can negotiate the fallen trees on the right edge of the bridge, there is a route to the top of it; otherwise, continue on this 1.9 mile loop trail. Note the neat rock formations to the left of the bridge. At one point on the trail you top out at a cliff line. Soon you make a sharp left into the woods again. At mile 1.15, look at the Medussa tree: This dead cedar has branches that twist in all directions. Although I did not note any unusual vegetation (late May), my reference book on this trail indicates the presence of June Grass, Hairy Lip Fern, and Prickly Pear Cactus. This area is not well maintained and is missing some trail markers. This trail is listed in a new book, Hiking Kentucky by Brook and Barbara Elliott. This area will be part of one of the Shawnee Group’s group hikes. At any time there is flooding on the Ohio river, forego this adventure as KY 135 gets flooded and a tributary backs up into the trail. For more information contact Bob

Tyson at 684-5643 or at mailto:sh-outings@illinois.sierraclub.org    ■

 

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