Little Grand Canyon: Pomona, IL

Little Grand Canyon

     The Little Grand Canyon Trail is a hidden gem in Southern Illinois. It is a 3 mile loop trail, with spectacular views and delightful rock formations. The trail is well marked and well maintained by the U.S. Forest Service that protects the Shawnee National Forest.
      
     I pulled up to the parking lot at the trail on a beautiful Saturday afternoon and noticed that it was full of cars. Luckily someone was leaving, and I was able to get their spot. It was an older couple and I could hear the man telling the woman to hurry up and get in the car, people are waiting.
    
      I had driven quite a ways from route three on a hilly back road, following a sign that said the trail was 12 miles into the Shawnee Hills. The trail can also be reached from route 127, out of Murphysboro.
    
      Normally, when I hike I like to carry a small pack full of gear, for the extra weight and because you never know what you’ll run into. But, with the amount of people I saw, I opted to not look like a weirdo at this time. So, I just enjoyed the sights and did a little trail running.
      
     As I walked, I alternated between periods of walking and running. The hills on this trail make for a nice work out, and the people I passed all commented on my walking stick. Which I try to bring along every time I hike. It has been very useful on many occasions, and with the hill or slippery rocks on this trail it came in handy again. The people on the trail realized they could have really used one.
     
      I passed all kinds of people; Young college students, families with kids, older couples, and people who were greatly out of shape. The trail is not difficult, but does have places where the hiker is required to climb up and down a rock waterfall formation. You will get winded on this trail. If that’s a concern, you might want to pick a different trail. It is not very handicap friendly.
    
      I would also recommend not hiking the trail in the very late afternoon. You can get caught out there in the dark, and with the deep valleys, covered by towering hills; it gets dark quickly on the trail. Long before the sun actually sets.
     
      I saw many dogs walking on the trail. It seemed to be fairly dog friendly. However, there are places where the dog must climb or jump. If this is a danger to the dog, or if the dog is too big for you to carry in some places, you might want to reconsider bringing the furry friend.
    
      The trail first ascends through the woods along ridges, until it hits a point looking over the terrain. It then turns and goes down along the side of a hill to the first rock formations and waterfall. This trail is very narrow, and I stepped aside to let others going the opposite way, pass on many occasions.
      
     When I say waterfall, I am referring more to a water trickle, or a seep.  When there is rain it becomes more of a flowing fall, but at this current time it was just seeping water. I think water seeps are beautiful in their own way. The mixture of gray stone, moss, tiny plants, ferns and water seeps, is stunning to the eyes.
      
     As you get to the falls and start to go down, you are descending into a stone valley that shoots off before you at a great distance. It makes one think of prehistoric things; and how this would be a great place for cavemen to live, or for bandits to hide out in. The image is spectacular and of course my camera decided to crap out on me right in the middle of it. After hitting the bottom of the marvelous valley, the trail winds around through a wooded area and comes back around to another rock formation that is a dry water fall. Or at least it was dry at this time.
    
      A hiker must climb up the water fall, and then continue on a steady climbing trail till they reach the parking lot. Course, it depends on which way you take the trail. Clockwise or counterclockwise; either way I would recommend a walking stick to help climb and descend.
     
     As soon as I finished the trail and got to my vehicle, there was another car waiting for my spot. So, I backed out and let them have a wonderful time on the trail as well. I drove out of the parking lot, and instead of turning back the way I had come, I turned the other way, and drove for what seemed like an ungodly amount of time through the beautiful Shawnee Hills. I passed many sites that I wished I had time to stop for. Things like a natural bridge, and what looked like another trail.
    
      I finally came out in the town of Alto Pass, which I will need to return and check out again someday. Then, I returned on 127 back to Murphysboro and home to Du Quoin. The Little Grand Canyon is a beautiful trail that is just one of the many features of the Shawnee National Forest of Southern Illinois.

 

Giant City State Park Riding Stables

Giant City State Park Riding Stables

     I had never gone horseback riding before. I’m 47 years old and probably only been on a horse 3 times in my life. Two of those times I’m assuming happened when I was a child, although I cannot remember it. The other time happened as an adult when I was helping a friend round up some horses that had escaped. He needed me to get on the horse and chase the other horses. I climbed on board and told the horse to “Go”. He or she did not understand English apparently and did not move. I said “Go”. The beast still did not move. I utterly refused to say “getty up” or click my lips at the large critter. Needless to say, my first horse experience ended in laughter; at me, not with me.
    
      I have driven past the Giant City Stables many times on my way to hike trails in the Giant City State Park, and had always been curious about them. I told myself that I was going to go there and ride a horse one day.  So, after hiking the Cove Hollow Trail, which is a part of the Cedar Lake Trail System I decided to do it.
      
     I called the stables to make a reservation. They need to know in advance that you are coming and they have set times when the horses are taken out for a trail ride. I gave the lady who answered the phone my information. She was very nice and helpful. Then, she asked for a credit or debit card number. I’m more of a Stone Age type of guy and don’t have those fancy doo dads. I still have my flip phone, and love it. Chicks dig the flip phone.
      
     Anyway, I told her that I don’t have a credit card. “Do you not take cash?” I asked. She said “We take cash, but we cannot guarantee your spot.”  I told her that was fine.  I’m used to that sort of thing because of my weird lifestyle, and I’m happy with it. She took my reservation and we hung up, after she told me about what time the ride would begin, and that I needed to get there at least 15 minutes early to watch a short video on how to ride a horse. I didn’t tell her that I might need a little more than a short video.
      
     While I waited I decide to check out the awesome Farmer’s Market in the Murdale Shopping Center parking lot, on the west side of Carbondale. It is the biggest and nicest Farmers Market, that I have seen in the Southern Illinois area. If I find another, I will eat those words. I honestly wish we had more of these and we need them. More and more communities are realizing this and they are springing up everywhere. Now, if I can just get them to realize that adding a flea market aspect to the farmers markets, would bring in more customers, and more people who desperately need to be exposed to healthier living. But, often times the Farmers Markets and Crafts Fairs want to maintain a purity of some kind. I get it. But, there are higher ideals at stake sometimes, and I’m sure with the proper rules, any problems could be resolved.
      
     After the market, I drove out the stables and was very excited. I have not been this excited in some time actually. It was a beautiful day, and I was all smiles. I filled out a form that explained the legality of everything, and protected the Stables from blame should anything occur. Then, I watched the video of controlling the horse. It was fairly simple according to the video, but I still had visions of being dragged through the woods, by one foot, as my horse stampeded through the brush.
     
      I was given the option of wearing a crash helmet or not. I chose to wear one; it might help me to survive the stampeding beast. Honestly I don’t trust anyone, and I certainly do not trust animals. Deep inside, these beautiful creatures are still wild animals. That is true for all beings. I know, I know, all the animal people will hate that I said that. But, I grew up around animals, and things can happen. It’s a fact. Course, I was one of the only ones in my group who wore a helmet. So yeah, I’m a goof.  But a safe goof.
    
     The wranglers who were to lead our group on the trail ride were finishing up helping kids ride, and doing therapeutic rides for people with special needs. I think this is awesome and I hope it continues.
     
      When it was our turn to go on the ride, we were taken to a large corral inside the barn to meet our horses. Our group had about 6 people, plus two wranglers who were in front and back of the group. I was going to be riding a large draft mule, named Ruth. She was a sweety. At least that’s what I kept whispering into her ear so she would not drag me to my death through the forest.
     
      I was last in the line of riders, as we headed down the trail into the woods of Giant City State Park. As stated before, there was a wrangler in front, and one just behind me, so the ride was very controlled and safe. As a matter of fact the wrangler behind me was a very cute college student, so I felt even safer. I struck up a conversation with her, as we rode. No, I’m not a creeper.  I’m friendly.
      
     I did not get dragged to my death. The ride was wonderful. Often we get thoughts in our heads, but the reality is rarely what we think. Each ride takes about an hour and costs $45.00 per person with a discount if you bring 6 or more in your party. I felt that I got my money’s worth. I learned more about horses, and mules, and spent more time relaxing in nature.
    
      I will definitely go back to ride again. It would be a great place to take kids, a youth group or a date. Also, remember that the Stables have therapeutic rides available. This is a fabulous thing that could help many. Call and ask about it.

https://www.facebook.com/Giant-City-Stables-189836797788935/