Cache River State Natural Area spans Johnson, Massac and Pulaski counties. Its wetlands have been designated a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. Hiking, biking, canoeing and fishing are among the possible activities; seasonal hunting programs are also available, subject to applicable regulations and conditions.

Trails through forests and wetlands

The trails vary considerably in length, difficulty and scenery. The easy Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail is 1.5 miles long. A truss bridge crosses the Cache River, followed by a floating boardwalk that extends into Heron Pond. Conditions on this trail may vary by season.

At 5.5 miles, the moderately difficult Little Black Slough Trail is the longest of the trails described here. It passes through cypress-tupelo swamps, sandstone bluffs, bottomland forests and hillside clearings. The 2.5-mile Lower Cache River Swamp Trail follows Cypress Creek and the Cache River to a cypress-tupelo swamp. Flooding can affect trail conditions there.

Shorter options include the moderately difficult 1.15-mile Cypress Pond Trail and the moderately difficult 1.69-mile Hickory Bottoms Trail. Both trails are open to foot traffic year-round. The Cypress Pond Trail passes through mature bottomland forest and wetlands. The Hickory Bottoms Trail offers views of the Cache River swamps; its route also includes limestone outcrops, springs and boardwalk sections through bottomland forest.

River and paddling experiences

Two boat ramps at Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge provide access to an old channel of the Cache River. You can also canoe through Eagle Pond, where you can see bald cypress trees about 800 years old, including one with more than 200 knees. Water levels and boating conditions vary; check them before your outing. You should also check access conditions and any possible restrictions at the boat ramps before traveling.

Another option for hikers, runners and cyclists is the Tunnel Hill State Trail, which leads to Karnak in Pulaski County, where parking is available for trail access. Check the condition of the access facilities locally before setting out.

Natural history and local past

The Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center features exhibits on the cultural and natural history of the Cache River watershed. A 2,600-foot accessible trail runs through the grounds, crossing a restored wetland along the old Cypress Creek bed. A wildlife observation mound is located there. The center has temporary hours; check them before your visit.

The Rawlings House in Mound City was built of wood in 1854 by Moses M. Rawlings, using lumber brought downstream from Louisville, Kentucky. Over the years, the house served as a general store, post office, hotel and barracks for troops guarding the Mound City Navy Depot. Its various former uses make the building a vivid part of local history.

Mound City National Cemetery is in Pulaski County, about one mile from Mound City, Illinois. It is open to visitors daily from dawn to dusk. The Memorial Day ceremony dates back to the years after the Civil War and is described as one of the oldest ceremonies in the region.

Discover more destinations: Ullin, Johnson County, Lake, Ford County, Logan, Douglas County, Clark County, Union County.

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