Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club

There is an isolated grove of trees on your right. Fifty yards before the west end of it, look for an opening on your left which will take you to petroglyphs. As cliff walls start to diminish while walking west, you will note the railroad bed continues to the river where one can continue walking all the way to Grand Tower and enjoy the Mississippi River and bluff views on the Missouri side. Return by your car to Hwy. 3 and proceed south to Happy Hollow Road. Follow it up a steep grade to the top of Fountain Bluff. Park at one of three overlooks and hike along the road. It ends in about 3 miles. Enjoy views of the river, ravines and bluff from an elevation roughly 500 feet above the plains.

For an additional adventure after viewing the cliff walls from the bottom, head back out toward Hwy 3.  Look for a gravel lane on your right before you reach the highway. Park across the road, and walk up this lane -- cliffs on your left and a field on the right -- until it comes to an end.  Look left and walk into this beautiful canyon which ends in a punchbowl. Wildflowers are in abundance during the Spring.  Look for a cave/rock shelter on your right.  It is about 20 feet deep.  On your left you will note a switchback trail which will take you to the top of a segment of fountain bluff.