Piney Creek Ravine - State Natural Area, Illinois, United States

5ursusani 5:00 PM Aug 6, 2017

unexpected SURPRISE
park in a grass lot, walk along a farm field, think "hmm, is this it?" well, wander on my friend and soon you'll see what's so beautiful about this little southern, IL "secret". there's a beautiful waterfall, continue on until you get to the area revealing Native American artwork. Besides just an easy walk, it's a joy to your senses, and you can almost feel the presence of the peoples who once lived here. Their artwork can be seen within the rock formations.

5Leslie T 5:00 PM Sep 23, 2013

Spectacular Hidden Gem of Randolph County
Looks are deceiving, when first entering this hike. At the parking area, you have a good half mile of a grass lane, with farm fields, then you turn to the right where it opens up, you go down, and down and cross a creek, and more down. At the bottom you can either go along the trail which takes you back up, also has access to the petraglyphs (Indian rock art). Or you can hike the bottom of the ravine, Don't worry, you will catch the trail as it crosses the creek again. If summer time, I really recommend the bottom. If winter, then you can look down from the top of the trail. When inside, you lose track of the fact you are in Illinois, and really think you are out in the mountains.