A Walk in the Woods at Bell Smith Springs


Linda and Denny Richard organized a relaxing ride and hiking trip to Southern Illinois' Burden Falls and Bell Smith Springs to enjoy the autumn foliage.  In addition to Linda and Denny, participants included Rick and Paula, Nature Dave, and Chris.
After breakfast at the Cross-Eyed Cricket, we headed west and took a break at Harrisburg.
The next stop was at Burden Falls which is reportedly one of the highest falls in the state of Illinois.  The small volume of water flow on this particular day made the falls less than impressive.
Denny found a unique vantage point from which to view the falls.
From there we made the short trip to Bell Smith Springs (sorry, Bavorakers, the roads are gravel!), where we had to witness the sorry sight of Linda removing Denny's trousers.  Hey guys, get a room next time!
The hiking and the scenery at Bell Smith Springs made for a most excellent destination for this adventure.
<== You must be this tall to hike this trail.



              And no wider than this. ==>
<== The group pauses for a photo along the trail.




An unusual pyramid-shaped boulder.==>
The hiking trail included creek crossings of a different kind...
<== Nature Dave and his famous "treking pole."




How many hiking trails boast a vertical climb? ==>
Our main objective was the Natural Arch Bridge.  Here Paula takes a cautious peak over the edge as Dave settles in for lunch.
We caught a rare glimpse of the troll who lives underneath.
The creek had to be crossed again on the way out.

Thanks to Nature Dave for contributing photos for this report.
 Chris Hancock
October 2009