Day Hiking Heron Pond Preserve

[Shawn]

Trail/Route Name

Heron Pond Preserve

Date of Hike

05/21/25

Mileage

2.3

Difficulty Level

Easy

Trip Rating

5.00 star(s)

Trail Conditions

Very easy to follow and wide trail.

Heron Pond Preserve is within the Cache River State Natural Area in Belknap, Illinois.

The trail is fairly easy with very little elevation. There are river and creek crossings but bridges and stable steppingstones are provided. Snakes are present during warmer months, including venomous cottonmouth snakes. Please watch your step. The area is buggy so be sure to wear plenty of bug spray.

You'll see amazing swamps, cypress trees, a huge oak tree, and all sorts of plants and wildlife.

Heron Pond is what got me to start Hiking with Shawn.

 

[Danl]

That really is a wonderland. It doesn't seem like Illinois at all. I've also seen a copperhead enjoying a patch of sunlight on the trail.

 

[Shawn]

That really is a wonderland. It doesn't seem like Illinois at all. I've also seen a copperhead enjoying a patch of sunlight on the trail.

I'd love to see a copperhead on Heron Pond Trail. I've seen them elsewhere but never that trail. I've seen more mud snakes at Heron Pond than anywhere else.