Now that nicer weather has slowly inched its way into Central Illinois, I've been itching to go hiking. I've been a couch potato all winter and out of shape so my hikes haven't been too long and maybe not even considered hiking. But what is cool is the fact that there are some trails very nearby the East Bluff.
The closest to me are the trails in Glen Oak Park. They are on the hillside below the park and west of Perry Street. If you park at the lower park entrance near the intersection of Perry and Abington you will see a paved trail heading into the woods. It meanders a bit until it takes a sharp right turn over a bridge. But if you look straight ahead instead of turning right, you will notice a path. And that path leads to a busted up concrete walkway that will lead you into eras gone by. It is in nice shape in some places and other places it is sad shape/overgrown/mudslid and non existent. However, it gets enough use that you can find your way around back there to discover creeks, bridges (at the top of this page is one of them), staircases and some old markers. These trails rarely make it back to the main park as their final destination is now the new zoo and you wind up at a fence. I would only hike this during dry conditions. There are several areas that could be treacherous when wet or muddy.
One can meander Springdale Cemetery, but I just find that a bit weird myself. Do you go to other local cemeteries just to go for a walk? Probably not. Yes, I know there is some cool and unique history there, but still......
Next is the new trail extension that is part of the Kellar Branch which starts near Marietta and Prospect in the Heights and ends up at Harvard Street (or you can progress further by somehow getting around a few streets into the north side of Springdale Cemetery to go under US Route150/ War Memorial Drive). At the end of trail, you can barely see the old railroad bridge that goes over 150/War Drive and now a dirt foot path that is most likely trespassing on City of Peoria property. Personally I think it is a shame that the powers who are couldn't/wouldn't use this bridge, but they could construct a huge new one over Knoxville - but I digress. This trail is pretty new and needs some clean up from post construction, recent storms and some litter problems. It is new and one shouldn't expect miracles from its early inception. Cool feature right now is the view of the McCluggage Bridge and upper lower Peoria lake. It is a slow downhill grade east and then uphill coming back. After you clear the area by the Country Club of Peoria, you wouldn't know you were on the edge of a city.
Just a bit farther away is the well known Forest Park Nature Center. There are many trails there which have varying degrees of difficulty. If you are looking for a short walk, it is there. If you want 6-7 miles, you could hike all of the trails, which most intersect to get a work out. It is noticeable that the easiest trails are the widest and most used. That isn't enough? Cross Forest Park Drive to the start of the Pimiteoui trail which traverses up and down the bluff that follows Prospect Avenue and ends up on Grandview Drive. I started this trail earlier this year and decided it was best to turn around and go back as my out of shape self might not make it. At this time of year, there are sweeping views of the Illinois River, areas of prairie grass fields and the Heights water tower reaching towards the sky.
Get out, get some fresh air and exercise.
