Rocky Bluff Trail

The Rocky Bluff Trail, in Southern Illinois is a 1.7 mile moderate level loop in the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. A day use fee of $2 is required to access the refuge. The well maintained path sees a 157ft gain in elevation and features a lake and two waterfalls. At the beginning of the loop, you can hear the water flow, and see how the rocks have eroded at the trail head. There are several small water runoffs that the trail crosses, and many little footbridges. Eventually you come across a neat hollow, with fallen trees and a turn in the bluffs and stone steps.

There’s a ton of neat striations in the rock, you can see many layers, mini caves, different kinds of rock, and even layers of sediment from when the whole area was under water.This hike offers varied terrain such as narrow passes, some hills, some rocks and caves and it is accessible year-round. Dogs are welcome, as long as they are leashed.They also use this trail during the spring for wildflower walks, citing over 60 native species of blooming flowers.

Directions:
 
To the Crab Orchard Visitor Center (from I-57 S)
 
Take exit 54 B and turn Right onto Old 13.  
Turn Left onto 148 at the big intersection at Energy.  
 A few miles down the center is on the left.  You have to come here first to get you day pass unless you have a duck stamp or year pass.
 
Directions to Rocky Bluff Trail (from Visitor Center)
 
Turn Left out of the parking lot onto 148.  Follow it five miles.
A Little Grassy general store will be on the right, turn Right there onto Little Grassy road.
A few miles down the road will curve/split, you have to take the Left to stay on Grassy.
At the first Crab Orchard sign (for Devil’s Kitchen Lake) turn Left onto Tacoma lane. 
Across the bridge is a small parking lot and a sign for Bluff Trail.