Hike the Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail

Belknap, Illinois

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Details

Distance

1.5 miles

Elevation Gain

125 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Lucas Bremer

With its wooded hills and cypress swamps, it would be easy to mistake this special place for Louisiana rather than Illinois.

This easy trail crosses a truss bridge over the Cache River and features a floating boardwalk in the middle of one of the most beautiful and accessible Cypress-Tupelo swamps in the Midwest. There are 10 interpretive panels located along the trail to guide your way.

The floating boardwalk section should not be missed. It takes you out into the swamp so that you can experience the beauty of the swamp without sinking in the mud below.

For a bit of a longer hike, follow the trail as it goes around the swamp and eventually leads to the State Champion Cherrybark Oak tree. This massive tree has over a 22-foot circumference and is more than 100 feet tall. There are 11 of the State of Illinois record sized trees within the Cache River Wetlands due to a longer growing season and plenty of water.

Learn more about other close by activities here.

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Features

Fishing

Photography

Hiking

Easy Parking

Family Friendly

Forest

River

Scenic

Wildflowers

Wildlife

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Hike the Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail

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Hike the Todd Fink-Heron Pond Trail Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Bike the Tunnel Hill State Trail

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