Hike to Inspiration Point at LaRue Pine Hills
Wolf Lake, Illinois
Details
Distance
0.75 miles
Elevation Gain
164 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Lucas Bremer
A view more common to those in the Western U.S. than in rural Southern Illinois.
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.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
Have you done this adventure? Be the first to leave a review!
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
Drive through the Bald Knob Wilderness
Hike to Pomona Natural Bridge
Hike the Little Grand Canyon Trail
Camp in the Trail of Tears State Forest
Fernlands Preserve Trail
Trail Run at Lincoln Memorial Park
Community
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy