Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club

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Adventures with Uncle Bob

This guide describes the first three of the 18 mile long trail in the Shawnee National Forest within Jackson County.

Directions:  Take Hwy 149 west from Murphysboro.  While descending the last switchback hill, turn right upon crossing the bridge.  Proceed a couple miles to its terminus and park your vehicle at a lot next to the gated road.  As a side note, if you turn right at this junction, you will find Quisenberry Dam or falls.  This is a pretty photo opportunity, as well as a great place to sit under the falls and pamper yourself with a whirlpool massage. 

Walk up the gated asphalt road to the concrete pier.  The trail starts between two dividers.  While traversing this trail, one has frequent views of Lake Kinkaid on the right, and steep hills on the left.  During the first mile you will encounter a beautiful, descending cascade with ledges, suggesting a staircase.  During the second mile, looking to your left, note the rock canyon.  Climb up the first rock and find a small cave about 30 feet away.  Proceeding further on the trail, we descend into another rock canyon rich with ferns.  As we continue the hike, we drop into a dry riverbed  with an interesting cliff line.  The trail is very confusing beyond this point, across the riverbed.  Take your chances or return back to the parking lot. 

For additional information on this hike or other outing locations, call Bob Tyson at 684-5643 or mailto:robkay43@webtv.net