STORY BY AMY MADIGAN

At one time, hiking was the only mode of transportation available to everyone. Before horses, wagons, bicycles, planes, trains, boats and automobiles, there was only one thing, or actually two, to take people where they wanted to go— feet. Many of the country's early explorers and settlers sought to discover new places under the power of their own two feet.

Today, we return to the basic activity of hiking for what author Susan L. Post calls "the antidote to modern life." The opportunity to hike solo, or with friends, can alleviate many of the stresses of our everyday routines. It allows us to experience both the companionship of humans and a connection with nature.

Hiking is one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities. According to an outdoor recreation industry participation study in 2000, almost one-third of Americans went hiking. That's 67 million hikers. Were you one of them? Read on for some helpful tips and then take a hike.

Equipment

Hiking requires the right pair of boots. They are very important, because if your boots don't fit properly, your experience can be miserable. There's nothing worse than blisters that make themselves known with every step. When you are selecting boots, take the time to try on several pairs, and talk to your retailer. Once you've made your selection, there are other items you'll need when planning a hiking excursion, such as a map or guidebook and a compass.

If you are headed out for a day hike, you'll need a day pack, a smaller and lighter type of backpack, or a fanny pack to hold a few essential items. Take water to keep hydrated and something to snack on to keep energy levels up. Don't forget rain gear because Illinois' weather can be unpredictable. A small first-aid kit should contain an antiseptic, antibiotic cream, tweezers, a knife, adhesive bandages and Moleskin for tending to blisters.

For longer hikes, add toilet paper and zipper bags, as well as a small shovel. Other helpful items are waterproof matches, a flashlight or headlamp and batteries, and a pencil and notebook for jotting down observations.

Apply insect repellant and sunscreen before heading out, and consider stowing them in your pack. Wear a hat for protection from sun and ticks. Hiking can lead you into isolated terrain, so be sure to carry identification and a whistle or cell phone in case of an emergency.

There is another optional hiking accessory: hiking or trekking pole or poles. The natural hiking or walking sticks of yesteryear crafted from whittling the right sapling or branch have evolved into lightweight, aluminum, telescoping, trekking poles. Hikers use poles, either one or two, to enhance stability and endurance by distributing weight and to alleviate knee strain.

A hiker pauses to appreciate the scenery along the trail at Sangchris Lake State Park. (Photo by Adele Hodde.)

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(Above) The tree-lined I&M Canal has become a very popular area for hikers and bikers. (Below) Lance Miller explores the trail at Sangchris Lake State Park. (Photos by Chas. J. Dees.)

Using two poles simulates the action of cross-country skiing and distributes weight more evenly throughout the arms and legs. The bad thing is it keeps your hands full. Using one pole offers assistance when needed and may help with knee issues, while allowing freedom of the other hand. Talk to your outdoor gear retailer to find out what works for you. Be sure to ask for instruction or a demonstration on using trekking poles.

Where to Go

Illinois has some unique and diverse hiking terrain. Just about any state park can provide a satisfying hiking outing, and there are several hiking guides available to help you plan a trip. The Illinois Hiking Guide is a good start and is available free of charge, while Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails by Walter G. and George S. Zyznieuski, and Hiking Illinois by Susan L. Post are available for purchase through DNR's gift shop and at local book stores.

In northern Illinois, Mississippi Palisades State Park, near Savanna, boasts trails where you can walk in the footsteps of Native Americans. You can see burial mounds or take a challenging hike up the Sentinel Trail to see rock formations and scenic views of the confluence of the Apple and Mississippi rivers. For more awesome rock formations, try the Pine Trail, where you'll happen upon the Twin Sisters. Upton's Trail will provide you with a view of the river and Upton's Cave and allow you to see some of the largest bluffs in the park.

To experience nature at an easier pace, the I&M Canal State Trail is a good bet.

Matthiessen State Park near Utica offers yet another view of nature's influence on the land. The one-mile canyon formed by water erosion starts at Deer Lake and ends at the Vermilion River. Hydrological activity still takes place as groundwater seeps from the walls. As it evaporates, minerals carried in the water create a colorful display on the rocks. Try the Dells Trail and stop at the Giant's Bathtub.

Heading into central Illinois, the heart of the state, hikers will find a prairie paradise. Depending on the time of the year, prairie flowers bloom along the trails of Weldon Springs State Park and Clinton State Recreation Area near Clinton. For a bit of a challenge, go farther east just outside of Charleston to Fox Ridge State Park, where you will find a Challenge

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Adventurous types may want to add a map and compass to their list of equipment. (Photo by Adele Hodde.)

Selection of hiking accessories can be based upon the length of the trip and the type of trail, but water is always essential. (Photo by Adele Hodde.)

Course, some hilly terrain and a great view on the River Trail. Binoculars might be good at this site for, among the natural scenery, you might see any of the 140 species of birds that inhabit the park, or maybe a flying squirrel.

Moving from the prairie landscape into southern Illinois, hikers will find very interesting terrain and natural features. Giant City State Park at Makanda, near Carbondale, is home to the Giant City Nature Trail that takes hikers along the "Giant City Streets," formed 12,000 years ago from huge bluffs of sandstone. Hundreds of species of wildflowers and 75 species of towering trees appear along the trail.

Another site with evidence of the awesome power of nature is Garden of the Gods, southeast of Harrisburg in the Shawnee National Forest, where the rock formations have names such as Table Rock and Noah's Ark.

Hikers should take care not to disturb or damage the animals and plants found along trails. Stay on designated trails to minimize impact on the parks. (Photo by Chuck Dees.)

Garden of the Gods also is part of the River to River Trail. This trail stretches almost 160 miles from Battery Rock on the Ohio River to Grand Tower on the Mississippi River. This trail offers a grand opportunity to backpack through southern Illinois, along a route offering everything from rocky wilderness to wetland bayou.

When describing a hike on the River to River Trail, John O'Dell, chairman of the River to River Trail Society, said, in reference to the those who traveled its route in the past, "We will realize that they too shared a spiritual need for the power of such beauty."

Hikers on the River to River Trail, as well as the I&M Canal Trail, can feel a sense of accomplishment because they are on a part of the American Discovery Trail, a celebrated 5,000-mile, cross-country trail connecting the East Coast with the West Coast. It links scenic and historic trails, metropolitan cities and rural areas.

A multitude of other trails exists in Illinois. Hikers also enjoy the trails at Starved Rock, Illinois Beach, Argyle Lake and Pere Marquette state parks and Trail of Tears State Forest.

Planning is Important

Plan your hiking trips using a good guide. Check your equipment before you go, and phone ahead to ensure that trails are open. Stay on marked trails. "Take only memories while leaving only footprints."

Amy Madigan is the Green-ways and Trails Outreach Coordinator with DNR's Division of Planning.

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