Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club

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Adventures with Uncle Bob

RED CEDAR TRAIL in Giant City State Park.  

Directions: Follow Giant city road to the turnoff for Giant City campground.  Park at the far end of it and note the trail sign. It says the trail is a 16 mile loop, but has since been revised to only 9.7 miles.  This trail is quite rugged and is only signed in one direction.  This means you must either a) know the territory well if you plan to turn around before the end, b) have a car shuttle, or c) plan to do the whole thing.

For those who do not want to hike the whole trail, let me point out four points of interest and how to get there without doing the whole trail. In Makanda, turn onto Old Cobden Road (Shiloh Road) and count the orange and white poles along the road until the fourth one.  Look on your left for the River-to-River Trail sign and parking space for a couple cars.  The trail there is a steep ascent for approximately 300 yards.  At the top is a junction for Red Cedar Trail, as well as, the combined River-to-River Trail and horse trail.  The latter two run together along the bottom of the cliffs and the Red Cedar runs on top. We'll take the bottom.  You should walk about a mile along these cliffs, rock formations, and small caves.  At the next junction, veer left and walk past a small cave and a major rockhouse.  The latter is about 20 feet deep.  Notice the patterns in the ceiling. From here the trail meanders off into the woods.  Upon returning, note the intersection for Red Cedar Trail.  Take this trail to the top for distant views from the bluffs and then return to the starting point by descending the spur back to the parking lot.

A second point of access is found further along Shiloh road after the second, one lane bridge.  Parking is possible in the lot just before the bridge.  Cross the road and on the left and you can enjoy a short walk along moss-covered cliff walls. This is part of the Red Cedar Trail.  Take special note the ground vegetation.

For a third access area, go back to Makanda and go up Baptist Church Road.  Shortly after the church, pull off to the left by the gate. Across the road is a path through a field that will descend sharply around rock formations into a deep ravine with great views of the other side. 

A fourth and last access point is inside Giant City State Park where you will turn near Devil's Standtable (the picnic area) and go to Giant City State Park Road. Turn South, left.  Drive up the hill until you see the first residence (3 mailboxes). Turn left into a parking area for horses. If you mistakenly go past the radio tower, you went too far.  Red Cedar Trail runs adjacent to the residential driveway.  The trail parallels the treeline bordering an open field.  It eventually will descend steeply into the woods. Near the bottom you should hear a waterfalls.  There is also a sign with the number 12 on it.  The waterfall is approximately 20 feet high with a rock shelter underneath that tapers down to 30 feet in depth.  This is a very pretty canyon.  Retrace your steps back to the car. The length was approximately one-half mile. 

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet. For more information, contact Bob Tyson at 684-5643.  °