High Point Trail; Savanna, IL
N 42° 09.441 W 090° 10.738
15T E 733064 N 4671099
This 1.5 mile hike is located in Mississippi Palasades State Park.
Waymark Code: WM1CMG
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 04/05/2007
Views: 44
High Point Trail begins at the North entrance to the park near the camp grounds regesteration booth. The trail follows an old road that the park officials still use on rare occasions. It is a kid-friendly trail, so take the entire family.
In the spring, there are many early blooming flowers: Dutchmans Breeches, , Large-Flowered Bellwort, Bloodroot, Wild Ginger, and Sharp-lobed Hepatica start blooming by April 1. You may also see the bright Red Cup Mushroom growing from rotting twigs half buried in the leaves. This does not have a stem, just a cup shape that may be 1/4 to 2 inches wide. Watch for Club Moss on the rotting logs. The moss will be sending up its brown spore case at this time of the year. Both the redish Prairie Trillium and the large white Nodding Trillium can be found in this park. The Nodding Trillium is on the Illinois Endangered Species list. The Trilliums, along with Shooting Stars, Wild Geraniums, and many other flowers will be blooming by May 1.
Please remember that all plants are protected within the park. You may look, smell, and photograph. but please do not pick. However, you are allowed to pick the morrel mushrooms that you find while enjoying the hike. A great view will welcome you at the far end of the trail. A Geocache is placed nearby also. Start your hike at the bottom coordinate listed below.