Starved Rock State Park, IL

I’m not going to even say it, if you read my blog regularly you know I am behind in blogging.  (ok, I said it).

After leaving Wisconsin, I made my way to Townsend, TN.  But I made a stop in Utica, Il at Starved Rock State Park.  The campground was nice, but away from all the hiking and things to do in the park.  That didn’t really bother me, but I know some people want things within walking distance.  

Starved Rock State Park is known for their box canyons.  In late August there was very little water(if any) in the creeks and waterfalls.  But that actually made it easier to get around.  I read that during spring, you have to cross several creeks to get to the great views.   So, easier to walk, but no water, so no waterfalls--

The above was taken from inside Council Overhang.   The pictures above that were taken from different box canyons.  I went to 4 different ones.  My knee had been bothering me a bit so I only went on short hikes.   On one of the hikes I was close to the end so, I was boxed in on 3 sides.  I heard a loud banging noise.  I hadn’t seen anyone else on the trail and could not figure out what it was.  Finally I saw a Pileated Woodpecker pecking on a dead tree about 25 feet from me.  Since I was in a box canyon, his pecking was echoing and made the hike a bit eeri. 

From here I made my way to Townsend, TN where I spent the month of September.  I will blog about that trip next.