Hello from DuPage County, Illinois

[Driftwoody]

I've lived all my life in Chicagoland except when I attended Southern Illinois University In Carbondale, where I developed my love of hiking in the late 1970's. I keep going back to Shawnee National Forest, and have hiked in many places from New Hampshire to Zion National Park. Other than Shawnee my most frequent hiking & backpacking areas have been Kentucky's Red River Gorge, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the mountains of western North Carolina. I've also hiked & backpacked in Missouri a few times, as far west as Hercules Glades but mostly in the southeast. I'm planning an overnight hike this March or April from the top of Taum Sauk to Johnson's Shut-Ins. I must confess that my need of a shuttle for this hike is what prompted me to join today, though I plan to remain a member who is glad to share trip reports and join in discussions about gear and hiking destinations. I can't do long miles per day anymore, but I'm retiring very soon and will have more time for hiking adventures.

 

[Shawn]

Sorry, I'm kind of late to respond to this! March got kind of busy for me!

Welcome to the forum

 

[MartKnoch]

I've lived all my life in Chicagoland except when I attended Southern Illinois University In Carbondale, where I developed my love of hiking in the late 1970's. I keep going back to Shawnee National Forest, and have hiked in many places from New Hampshire to Zion National Park. Other than Shawnee my most frequent hiking & backpacking areas have been Kentucky's Red River Gorge, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the mountains of western North Carolina. I've also hiked & backpacked in Missouri a few times, as far west as Hercules Glades but mostly in the southeast. I'm planning an overnight hike this March or April from the top of Taum Sauk to Johnson's Shut-Ins. I must confess that my need of a shuttle for this hike is what prompted me to join today, though I plan to remain a member who is glad to share trip reports and join in discussions about gear and hiking destinations. I can't do long miles per day anymore, but I'm retiring very soon and will have more time for hiking adventures.

How did your hike go?

 

[Driftwoody]

How did your hike go?

At Taum Sauk I ended up doing just a day hike loop (about 3 miles) from the top down to Mina Sauk falls, which was flowing nicely. It takes some effort to get down to the base of the falls for a good photo op, but worth it.

While I was in the area I also visited Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Hickory Canyon, and Pickle Springs.

Lots of good hiking in SE Missouri, I've been there several times. There is a shuttle service for sections of the long trail (my original plan) but it's very expensive.

 

[Shawn]

Pickle Springs Nature Preserve is amazing. So much to see on such a small trail!

 

[MartKnoch]

At Taum Sauk I ended up doing just a day hike loop (about 3 miles) from the top down to Mina Sauk falls, which was flowing nicely. It takes some effort to get down to the base of the falls for a good photo op, but worth it.

While I was in the area I also visited Johnson’s Shut-Ins, Hickory Canyon, and Pickle Springs.

Lots of good hiking in SE Missouri, I've been there several times. There is a shuttle service for sections of the long trail (my original plan) but it's very expensive.

Disappointed I've never tried Taum Sauk. Maybe this is the umpteenth sign for me haha.
Do you figure there's any time to make the climb this year still?

 

[Driftwoody]

Disappointed I've never tried Taum Sauk. Maybe this is the umpteenth sign for me haha.
Do you figure there's any time to make the climb this year still?

The 3 mile loop starts on the high ground and passes the wooded summit of Taum Sauk Mountain, which is fairly level; you wouldn't know it was there without a sign. I recommend doing the loop counter-clockwise, so that the return loop goes uphill along the creek that feeds the falls. I also recommend sturdy shoes or boots for some rugged sections, especially for the descent to the base of the falls. There are also some fine views along the way before the loop trail loses significant elevation. The trail arrives at the top of the falls and continues to the creek then up to the left to follow it through some scenic areas, but you have to descend before that point down to the right to the base of the falls. This is on the Ozark Trail, but the base of the falls is off-trail a bit and requires some boulder scrambling for the best view. I'm 25 lbs overweight and 67 years old, so any healthy hiker should be able to do it.

As for time of year to visit, avoid ice & snow. Falls are seen best after some decent rainfall. Personally, I prefer hiking in cooler weather. Johnson's Shut-Ins is nearby, which I also recommend. Pickle Springs does indeed pack a lot into a relatively short trail. Elephant Rocks are definitely worth a visit, if you haven't already.