Sandstone, water, and swamp forests shape nature experiences in Johnson County in different ways. Cache River State Natural Area extends across Johnson, Massac, and Pulaski counties and includes the Little Black Slough, Lower Cache River Swamps, and Glass Hill management units. A walking trail through a cypress swamp, other designated hiking trails, and a canoe route each offer a different view of these landscapes.
Sandstone, Water, and Plant Life
At Ferne Clyffe State Park, Hawks’ Cave is a 150-foot-long rock overhang. A seasonal waterfall, 100 feet high, lies along the Big Rocky Hollow Trail. Both natural features show how differently the rocks and water come together in the area.
Round Bluff is also geologically notable: This isolated promontory is part of the massive Pennsylvanian sandstones that form the canyons of Ferne Clyffe. On the south side of Round Bluff, sandstone barrens provide habitat for prickly pear cactus, rock pink, and blue curls. In this way, the rocky landscape is connected with a distinctive plant life. From Goreville, you can reach Round Bluff Nature Preserve via Highway 37; the entrance is one mile south, at the entrance to Ferne Clyffe State Park.
On Foot by the Water or by Canoe
Heron Pond is a shallow wetland where cypress and tupelo trees dominate the landscape. The easy Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail is 1.5 miles long. A truss bridge crosses the Cache River, and a floating boardwalk then extends to the middle of Heron Pond’s cypress pond. The Heron Pond-Little Black Slough Nature Preserve in Johnson County is a swamp open to visitors.
For planning, it helps to consider the different options: The Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail combines a short walk with a bridge and boardwalk; Cache River State Natural Area has more than 18 miles of designated walking trails in total, with varying levels of difficulty. If you’re looking for a canoe trip, the Lower Cache River Trail offers a three- to six-mile route through a cypress-tupelo swamp. These distances and types of travel give you a concrete reference point for choosing nature experiences that suit your planned outing.
History Around Vienna
McCorkle Creek, east of Vienna, was a resting place in 1838 for people traveling along the Trail of Tears. Joseph McCorkle allowed the Cherokee to camp there. At a gristmill he operated on McCorkle Creek, the Cherokee traded for food. These details tell the story of a place that served both as a resting place and as part of everyday life at the time.
The Wayside Store and Bridges Tavern Site in Johnson County is a certified partner site of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. In Vienna, Forman Depot is a community museum with local art collections. If you plan to visit, check the museum’s information locally before your trip.
Practical Information
Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-trip trail. Its access points have drinking water, restrooms, and parking. Since temporary notices at the sites may be relevant, it’s a good idea to check the latest information about the access points before your visit.
Vienna City Park has picnic and restroom facilities, volleyball nets, and a playground for children. Amenities may change; check the city’s information before your visit. Together, Johnson County’s nature trails, opportunities to observe the landscape, and cultural discoveries are complemented by practical places to visit while you’re in the area.
Discover more destinations: Elvira, Henry County, Cook, Champaign, Boone County, Madison, Sangamon County, Cass.
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