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View a Rock Bridge at Missouri’s Clifty Creek Natural Area
Clifty Creek Natural Area is combined with Clifty Creek Conservation Area to preserve 486 acres of woods, creeks, bluffs, and glades. Located about 2 hours from St. Louis in Dixon, Missouri, this spot of nature is worth the drive to view the 40′ long natural rock bridge. Clifty Creek Natural Area Trail Reaching the Trailhead The parking lot for the trail is located at 31825 Maries Rd 511, Dixon, MO 65459. The parking area is gravel and there are no…
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Hiking The Nature Institute’s Olin Preserve
Based in Godfrey Illinois, the Nature Institute is non-profit land conservation and environmental education organization that aims to foster an appreciation of the natural world. The Institute owns and manages 450 acres of natural areas to provide the public a place to experience the diversity of the Riverbend area. The Olin Nature Preserve is one of these managed areas that provides a wonderful place for all ages to explore and enjoy nature. About Olin Nature Preserve The 294 acres of the Olin…
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Hiking Giant City State Park’s Trillium Trail
Southern Illinois’s Giant City State Park is one of our top picks for kid-friendly hiking trails. Most of the hikes are short, not too steep, and avoid dangerous drop-offs. The trails keep kids interested with unique rock formations, shallow creeks, and small shelter caves. If you are up for a slightly more rugged trek, consider viewing the wildflowers and rugged bluffs by hiking Giant City State Park’s Trillium Trail. Giant City State Park Trillium Trail The Trillium Trail is located…
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Best Family Hikes in Ohio’s Hocking Hills
Ohio’s Hocking Hills is a scenic gem in the southeastern part of the state. Located just an hour from Columbus, this region encompasses Hocking Hills State Park, a state forest, and several nature preserves. We were blown away by the rugged beauty of this region when we visited. The Hocking Hills includes miles of stunning hiking trails and park admission is free! These trails pass by waterfalls, caves, and rugged rocks. Many of the trails are short and kid-friendly with…
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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…
