GatewayRedbirds.com

Headed to the Shawnee region mid-week for some car camping and hiking. Spots include Ferne Clyffe, Giant City, Little Grand Canyon, Panther Den, and the ever-intriguing Opie's Kitchen. Probably will stop at the Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon brew house in Carbondale (pronounced Car-bonn-de-lay). Forecast calls for sun and 70 degrees. Life be good.

Hungary Jack wrote:Headed to the Shawnee region mid-week for some car camping and hiking. Spots include Ferne Clyffe, Giant City, Little Grand Canyon, Panther Den, and the ever-intriguing Opie's Kitchen. Probably will stop at the Pinch Penny/Copper Dragon brew house in Carbondale (pronounced Car-bonn-de-lay). Forecast calls for sun and 70 degrees. Life be good.

I went camping 2 weeks ago in the Berkshires. Foot and a half of snow, but they had a new lean-to on the AT so we were golden. I know that it's actually counterproductive, but there are few things better after a long winter hike than sitting buy a fire with a nalgene full of bourbon.

I need to go back through the old thread and find some of these Shawnee and Ozark treasures. Or I guess you could just tell me again. I've been to the LGC and the natural bridge south of there and they were fantastic. Let me recommend the original 17th St Bar and Grill in Murphysboro for some of the world's best BBQ.

I wonder if the Root Beer Saloon in Alto Pass is open?

what's car camping?

Camping in close proximity to one's vehicle (and supplies). As opposed to backcountry camping.

lukethedrifter wrote:I need to go back through the old thread and find some of these Shawnee and Ozark treasures. Or I guess you could just tell me again. I've been to the LGC and the natural bridge south of there and they were fantastic. Let me recommend the original 17th St Bar and Grill in Murphysboro for some of the world's best BBQ.

I wonder if the Root Beer Saloon in Alto Pass is open?

Still there, according to the Entarwebs. Will try to pay a visit while mucking around down there.

This is my first trip to the west side of the Shawnee. My impression is that the east side is more remote and rugged, but the west side looks promising.

Had a great trip last week. Temps in the mid-70's, sun, and lots of flowing streams. Saw some really cool bluffs and other rock formations at Ferne Clyffe and Giant City State Parks. At one point I was scrambling along a high ledge and almost put my hand in fresh bobcat scat. Was amazed at what I found in the Little Grand Canyon near Murphysboro. Slot-like canyons with running water and lots of moss and ferns reminded me of Oregon. And our final day at Panther Den Wilderness showed us some incredible rock formations with waterfalls, secret passages, and a startling encounter with a turkey hawk.

Unfortunately we tried to visit the Copper Dragon brewery in Carbondale to find it defunct.

I'll post some pics soon.

And here is the link to some pics:

http://hungryjacksadventures.shutterfly.com/pictures/8

Great pics, Jack. I had no idea Illinois had anything that beautiful.

Great pics HJ. More places to add to the agenda.