The southernmost tip of Illinois is like a trip to the bayous of Louisiana.
Section 8 woods
I posted an image in Tuesday’s blog of the Mississippi River, which is not far away, showing the record low level of the water. This area, as you can somewhat see by the dark lines on the tree trunks, is usually below water. But the extremely low water levels allowed me to walk through the area.
There were remnants of water that you needed to avoid getting too close to so you don’t sink into the muck.
Section 8 Woods, Cache River Natural Area
The rich bottomlands contain many of the state champion trees—that is, the largest of the species in the state. Not far from here is the champion bald cypress. These huge trees with their swollen bases are hundreds of years old.
Big Cypress Access trail
A ranger suggested a trail named Marshall Ridge Access that led through some nice color or tall oak trees.
Marshall Ridge Access
The ranger said the trail end circles a wetland and that there might still be some late sunflowers in bloom even in November. She was right.
Marshall Ridge Access, Cache River Natural Area
The area was created by a glacial area overflow of the Ohio River. When that river settled into its current track, this wetland was left behind. Much of the area along the Cache River is protected by the state Cache River State Natural Area and the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Probably the best way to explore is by canoe or boat, but fortunately a few trails provide views into the river area. Some fall color on the cypress and tupelo provide a nice end to this trail.
Lower Cache River Access