Panther Den is a small wilderness area in Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The River-to-River trail which extends between the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers passes through the wilderness.
River-to-River Trail, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois
The highlight of a visit here is the Panther Den rock formation where you can wander among a maze of sandstone cliffs.
Panther Den Wilderness, Shawnee National Forest
Last week, I posted about Cache River State Natural Area. A ranger there suggested a few trails in nearby Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge which follows along the Cache River as it flows into the Mississippi. We tried Limekiln Springs trail one morning just as it was getting light.
Limekiln Springs Trail, Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Chance and I were enjoying the trail when he uncharacteristically began barking fiercely. I followed his eyes up to the camouflaged man hanging in the tree who I otherwise never would’ve seen. I understood his need to bark at such a strange sight, but apologized to the hunter whose pre-dawn climb to stalk deer was spoiled.
We continued along the Limekiln Slough which normally would be under water, but the dry conditions let us explore more among the cypress.
Limekiln Slough, Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Some beautiful shelf or bracket fungus decorated a branch that had fallen on the trail.
Bracket fungus
The trail went away from the slough up into the hardwood forest that still had some autumn color. The rising sun shown through leaves as we searched for a different route back to the car that would not disturb the hunter.
Autumn on Limekiln Springs Trail