Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club

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Adventures with Uncle Bob

SAMMONS CREEK TRAIL in the Shawnee National Forest in Alexander County.

Directions: Take Highway #3 and continue south until you see a sign, 1.4 miles north of Thebes, reading "Old S.R. 3/ Gale Road" — turn left and travel 1.6 miles and look for Bean Road on your left (look close as this sign has seen better days). Turn left and travel 2.3 miles and look for a blue gate on the right. Park here. During my last visit there was no brown trail or hiking sign near the road. A short distance into the trail, an unmarked fork presents itself. Take the left path. I initially went right and the trail disappeared after a half mile and nothing scenic was noted).

The trail traverses a pine plantation and ascends a razorback ridge. This trail is most enjoyable during leaf-off. While hiking this 1.5 mile ridge top trail you’ll have a constant view of ravines and vistas on both sides. The trail ends in a clearing. Retrace your steps back to your car. The total distance from the parking area to the endpoint is 2.5 miles.

I talked to Ranger Peterin about the signage needed in two places (noted above) and he assured me it would be done before December, 2003.  I have not followed up on it, as of this writing. There is little damage from ATV and horse riders. The ridge top trail would be suitable for horses in dry weather. This trail is also listed in the book, Fifty Nature Walks in Southern Illinois.