Hike to Inspiration Point at LaRue Pine Hills

Inspiration Point Trail is a 0.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Wolf Lake, Illinois.

The Inspiration Point Trail offers a panoramic view of the Mississippi River valley and the Big Muddy bottomlands and is well worth the climb. The 300-foot drop, seven feet to the left of the path, however, assures this is no regular hiking trail. More than 1200 species of plants and animals make LaRue Pines Hills their home. 

Inspiration Trail has two beginning points, McCann Springs and Pine Hills Road. Starting at the lower north end of the bluff is McCann Springs, which involves a moderately difficult hike.

This portion of the LaRue Pine Hills not only provides a breathtaking view to hikers, but it contains exceptional tundra and native rock formations. Also unique to Southern Illinois are the native short leaf pine trees found along the Crooked Tree and Pine Ridge trails.

The area is one of the most biodiverse of any spot in Illinois and is also home to nearby "Snake Road". 56 of the 100 species of reptiles and amphibians call the blufflines and swamps home. Each spring and fall, "Snake Road" is closed for a few weeks to allow these animals move from the swamps in the bottomlands and into the bluffs to hibernate. Some of which are endangered species. 

After heavy rains Muddy Levee Road and Larue Road can be closed due to flooding.