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Illinois’s Stoneface Hike Really Rocks
Tucked in far southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is full of amazing rock formations and scenic views. One of the more unique and lesser known features is Stoneface, or Old Stoneface as locals call it. This rock formation very closely resembles the shape of a face. Read on to learn how to find and hike the Stoneface trail. Illinois Stoneface Hike Reaching the Stoneface Trailhead The trailhead is not well marked. You can find the road to the trailhead off…
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Plan a Nature Escape to Missouri’s Babler State Park
Dr. Edmund Babler State Park, or just Babler as it’s known locally, is a wonderful oasis in a the busy St. Louis suburbs. Over 2,400 acres offer hikes, scenic drives, bike trails, camping, and more. Babler State Park History In 1934, Jacob and Henry Babler presented the state with 88 acres in memory of their brother, Edmund Babler, a prominent St. Louis surgeon who was dedicated to helping the less fortunate. An additional 800 acres of land was quickly added…
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Explore Castle Ruins and Natural Wonders at Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most beautiful and unique state parks in Missouri. The park offers stunning natural beauty with a turquoise blue spring, cave, and natural rock bridge. Visitors can also explore the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle perched on a bluff above Lake of the Ozarks. This is truly a must-see park and great for the whole family. History of Ha Ha Tonka State Park The area around Ha Ha…
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Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Rocky Top Trail
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri’s largest state park and is located along the shores of one of the state’s biggest lakes. The park offers many options for adventure and outdoor recreation. First established in the mid-1930s by the National Park Service and turned over to the state in 1946, the park features log buildings and rustic bridges built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. While recently visiting Lake of the Ozarks, we had a wonderful time exploring a…
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Prowl Impressive Bluffs at Panther Den Wilderness
Panther Den is a southern Illinois hike that we had meant to do for years, but never got around to. I was a little wary about the trail reports I had read where people had trouble finding the trailhead or following the trail. Well, we finally made the trip and this Shawnee National Forest hike was easy to follow and amazing to see! Read on to learn how to hike the Panther Den Wilderness Trail. Panther Den Wilderness Hike Distance:…
