Piney Creek Ravine Preserve near Trico beautifully carved
A little known and lesser traveled gem exists no more than a stone's throw from our front doors in Perry County. The Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve near the Trico area on the Jackson and Randolph County line is just one of the many wonders of southern Illinois that perhaps, too often, goes unnoticed.
The Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area was purchased in 1972 by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The site is a unique 198 acre parcel which hosts rare plant and other natural features specific to the area. One particular species found in the preserve is the Shortleaf Pine. The Piney Creek area is only one of two locations in the state where the Shortleaf Pine is known to grow naturally.
Through millions of years of pressure, wind and water, the ravine has been beautifully carved into the southern Illinois landscape. As one negotiates the 2.2 mile trail you will find yourself awestruck at the diversity eroded into otherwise gently rolling hills of the locale.
To begin your journey you must make your way to the southern Illinois town of Campbell Hill. From there, Rock Crusher Road will take you in a southwesterly direction to Piney Creek Road. Piney Creek Road soon becomes not much more than a cart path winding and twisting its way northwest. The asphalt quickly gives way to a narrow gravel road. Over the next hill and as the road curves, if you blink, you will easily miss the trailhead. At the trailhead a sign greets the sightseers and warns of the sensitive nature of the fragile ecosystem and of the dangerous areas within the reserve. One must exercise caution and restraint within the boundaries. The beginning portion of your trek is almost boring with the flat and straight trail ahead surrounded by cow pastures on either side. One could easily become disheartened with nothing more to see other than a couple of upset blue jays as you invade their territory. All that quickly changes as you round the next bend. As the trail turns east, a respectable prairie restoration project consisting of native prairie grasses and providing habitat for upland game comes into view.
It is at this point that the trail enters the forest. The flora and fauna are completely native and pristine with hardwoods and red cedar aplenty. No invasive species such as multiflora rose, bush honeysuckle or autumn olive were witnessed. The trail itself is meandering, clean, well maintained and relatively flat and easily traversable at this point. In no time at all however, you will find yourself on a steep descent towards what will ultimately become the ravine floor. As you reach the first tier you will instantly notice that you are standing on solid bedrock which lines the bottom of a small stream. With trickling water cascading through the gorge, one cannot help but ponder how many years it has taken for the canyon to be carved. As the water flows casually toward the bottom of the canyon its stream is broken by numerous waterfalls all providing spectacular viewing opportunities. One must exercise caution when crossing the stream as the bedrock is slippery with moisture and algae.
The trail itself now levels off before making its final drop to Piney Creek below. One should stop now for just a brief moment to take a 360 degree panorama. The bluffs are becoming quite prominent now and you can start to get an idea as to what lay ahead. This is the point where the trail splits to make its loop. It really is a coin toss as to which direction you choose. Off to the right and the trail will take you across the top of the bluffs which will provide excellent viewing of the canyon below. As you walk along not only will your eyes be amazed but your ears will be filled by the tranquil sound of water flowing lazily down the canyon as it carves the landscape even deeper. As the trail crosses Piney Creek the hiker must be surefooted as the crossing is once again a low water crossing of solid bedrock. If you look closely you can see how the water has channeled a chute through the bedrock.
From here the trail ascends to the summit of the adjacent bluff. In this area is where the Shortleaf Pine grows. The pine grove is relatively small, perhaps an acre or so but certainly worth the trip. The trail continues to hug the top of the bluff for some distance before a switchback takes you below. At the base of the bluff you are reintroduced to Piney Creek as the trail parallels the creek. Here you will notice the rock lined stream with deeper pools of clear, crisp, flowing water. After a short traipse, the sandstone faces of the towering bluffs appear. Both sides of the creek are lined with elegant outcroppings of various types of igneous rock formations. Be careful so not to miss the next trail marker ahead.
On this, the last leg of your journey, take heed and pay close attention as the trail will split a second and final time. This split, although a dead end split, is the most fascinating and historically symbolic spot on the trail. As you pass several shelter bluffs you are met with signs that warn against the collection of ancient artifacts. Ahead another large sign projects and explains the ritualistic symbols of ancient petroglyphs and pictographs pecked and painted onto the sandstone bluff face. These now faded and barely visible images were created by some of the earliest inhabitants to the area. History writes that the French arrived in the area in the 1700s but the earliest art on the stone bluff face belongs to the people of the Late Woodland (A.D 500-1000) and the Mississippian (A.D. 1000-1550) period. Although other visitors have left their insignia and have caused damage, nearly 200 ancient ritualistic native designs have been documented. This site is the largest collection of Native American rock art known to exist in Illinois. The ancient art is still visible but remains extremely fragile.
Upon returning to the main trail, be prepared to get your boots wet as you must negotiate the creek a final time. It is here that the small stream you crossed at the first leg of your expedition empties into Piney Creek. At this juncture you will be able to observe the canyon in three directions. The rock lined creek with flowing water and cascading waterfalls and the steep, jagged, towering bluffs lined with the native forest plants will fill your entire being at this exact spot. Pause for a moment to take it all in before you begin your rise out of the canyon. As you climb, you will notice how the sounds have changed. You will realize how quiet the world is around you without the sound of the flowing and falling water. The path will pass the point where the trail originally split and you will soon find yourself back to reality and back to the place from whence you started. It will have been a long but rewarding hike and you will find yourself fantasizing in hopes of returning with a botanist, geologist and an archeologist in tow.
The 2.2 mile loop is what I would describe as "moderate" in difficulty. A novice hiker may toil with some of the steep climbs and slippery rocks but overall, the trip itself is well worth the effort.
The Piney Creek Ravine State Natural Area makes for a great day trip. The area itself holds some of the most pristine forest and natural rock formations in Illinois and one can find themselves overwhelmed by the genuine beauty of an unspoiled region so close to home. A tank of gas, good hiking shoes, a backpack with a light lunch and drinking water, a good camera and your family as companions is all you need to take in this hidden treasure in southern Illinois. Happy Hiking!