Fall hikes underway this weekend
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[The River to River Trail Society and Illinois Hiking Society has released its fall hiking schedule just in time for the fall color.
Most of the season's hikes begin 10 a.m. Saturdays. The group hikes to popular locations such as Lusk Creek and Bell Smith Springs and to more quiet sites such as Cedar Creek and the Cache River Natural Area.
All the hikes are considered moderate in difficulty, oriented toward people who have been doing some walking and not for those not in good health, according to a release from the society.
The society encourages hikers to bring cameras, a snack and water, but no dogs or alcohol.
Those needing directions may call (618) 252-6789 or (618) 276-4864.
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Oct. 16 -- Cedar Creek Wonders and Buffalo on the Rock. Meet at the New Simpson School on U.S. Route 45 at Tunnel Hill. Eric Johnson and John O'Dell are leading.</li>
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Oct. 23 -- Sand Cave to Bell Smith Springs. Meet at the Hunting Branch Picnic Area parking lot at Bell Smith Springs. Mart Watson is leading.</li>
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Oct. 30 -- Halloween night hike to Max Creek at 6 p.m. Meet at the New Simpson School on U.S. Route 45 at Tunnel Hill. Brian DeNeal is leading.</li>
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Oct. 30 -- 9 a.m. work day at High Knob with the Shawnee National Forest. Eric Johnson and Eric Stead of the U.S. Forest Service are leading.</li>
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Nov. 6 -- Lusk Creek section hike with various leaders for each 10-person group. Meet 9:30 a.m. at Shawnee Mart in Eddyville.</li>
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Nov. 13 -- Cache River State Natural Area. Meet at the Heron Pond access area south of Vienna. Jim Waycuilis is leading.</li>
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Nov. 27 -- Thanksgiving weekend of short hikes in the Garden of the Gods area.</li>
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