East Godwin to Hutchins Creek (River to River Trail Section)

[Shawn]

This is one of my favorite sections of the River to River Trail because it leads to a remote area of Hutchins Creek which is my favorite creek in the Shawnee National Forest here in Southern Illinois.

This takes you through Bald Knob Wilderness. Foot and horse traffic only.

Pending on how much of the creek you explore, mileage and elevation can differ. We explored a few miles of the creek out and back and did 9 miles with 450 feet of elevation.

This is an out and back hike.

During the summer, portions of the trail are overgrown. There is poison ivy and stinging nettle out there. Venomous copperhead and timber rattlesnakes occur here. Watch your step and use common sense safety.

 

[Driftwoody]

I've considered doing that hike over the years, but couldn't find detailed accounts of its attractions. Does Hutchins Creek have any special features like cascades, or a real nice camping spot?

 

[Shawn]

I've considered doing that hike over the years, but couldn't find detailed accounts of its attractions. Does Hutchins Creek have any special features like cascades, or a real nice camping spot?

The campsites nearby aren't too spectacular.

People mainly enjoy it because the creek looks like something out of the Missouri Ozarks and there are pockets of clear spring water that are great for wading in when it's hot out.

However, Odie's Place is along this creek and that's really fun to visit during leaf off/winter: