Salt Lick Point Trail System
The trailhead is located at an old salt mine, that is on the corner of Illinois route 156 and Bluff Road. It has a huge gravel parking lot, near a sign that reads “Rock City”.
I pulled into the lot and saw that there were quite a few people there to hike on this beautiful day. I changed my clothes into some hiking gear, being careful that no one saw me getting half naked. People now a days, will accuse you and video tape you for doing the simplest things they think is wrong, and then post you all over the internet.
I grabbed my pack and walking stick, which I try to take whenever I hike. The weight helps make it a workout, and I will have gear if I should ever run into a need for myself or others.
I decided to hike the Salt Lick Point Trail first. It is 2.9 miles straight up the bluffs, then along them and back down. I figured the climb would be a good workout and it was. The initial climb up the bluffs is pretty steep, rocky and wooded, but the views are amazing; allowing you to see all the way to the Ozark Mountains, which are across the Mississippi River in Missouri.
The trail system is well marked and has many signs; such as teaching points of history, and about the landscape, flora and fauna. At the top of Salt Lick Point Trail is a sign talking about the history of salt trade in the Southern Illinois area. According to the sign, Salt Lick Point was first established by Gen. John Edgar of old Kaskaskia in 1802; others owned and operated the mine after him.
Next I hiked Johnson Trail. It is a flat trail made up of rocky gravel. It is an out and back path that goes through the woods under the bluffs. It is 1.1 miles out and 1.1 miles back. It is a very pleasant hike.
At the turn around point, at the end of the Johnson trail is a sign telling the hiker they can choose a trail that goes up hill and connects with the Salt Lick Point Trail, or take another trail called the Newman trail, which is 1.1 miles through the woods to the town of Valmeyer, then back for a total of 2.2 miles.
So, if a person hikes everything this trail system has to offer it would be about 7.3 miles or there abouts. My mile tracker never seems to match what the signs and the websites claim, about the trails I’m on. I think it’s because I switch off running and walking. I enjoy hiking for the beauty of nature, peace and communion with God. But, I also want a workout. When I am on long trails the mile counter helps me know how close I am to finishing. That encouragement is valuable when you’re lost…I mean…not sure how far you have left to go.
After finishing my hike, I left and drove toward home, down the Bluff Road; which is a delightful drive along the bluffs of Illinois. It passes through or by many interesting small towns, such as Maeystown, Prairie Du Rocher, and Modoc, where a ferry is located that goes across the Mississippi River to the Missouri town of St. Genevieve.
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