Fall Hikes: Rock Cave Nature Preserve

A 1.3 mile out and back trail that has a small cave, sandstone outcroppings, and rock formations can be found at Rock Cave Nature Preserve. Unusual for Central Illinois compared to northern and southern Illinois where this topography is more common.

It is located about seven miles north of Interstate 70 and halfway between Vandalia, Il., and Effingham, Il.

Creek carved the sandstone in this area.

Overview Of Rock Cave Nature Preserve

The trees that you will see here include sugar maple, red oak, and basswood along the forest floor. The drier area of the land includes white oak, black oak, and hickories along with small stands of American beach along the ravine crests.

Plantlife here is characterized by hydrangea and Christmas fern.

You can find invertebrates such as Fowler’s toad, northern leap frog, and box turtles. We came across some small fish along the creek that flows through here.

Andrew by the entrance sign by the parking lot. — My son Andrew at the entrance sign by the parking lot

At the Parking Lot

Accessing the trail here is done from a small parking lot just off of Illinois State Highway 128. In front of the parking lot is a tall sign with the name of the natural area and the path starts from there.

At the Start

My son and I first walked a few feet across flat land into the woods before dropping off into the ravine. At the bottom of the ravine, you head to your left along the creek. Trails here are not maintained and created by people who come here.

This trail goes back and forth across the creek that helped shape the ravine.

Wearing the Wrong Shoes

“I don’t want to get my new shoes wet,” my son said. I had forgotten he was wearing his new sneakers. So I found ways to avoid the water. In the first big crossing, we found a large log that had fallen over the creek so we both used it. This became fun for him in finding ways not to get wet.

One of the many outcroppings found here.

First Out Cropping

After walking a short way we came across a large outcropping. We walked under the sandstone cliff and Andrew crawled around a bit. Then we went past another cliffside before crossing the creek again.

We came to another log and played on that one a bit before more rock outcroppings.

He enjoyed the chance to rub his fingers in the loose sand below the cliffs.

Creek Crossings

Two of the creek crossings included stacked sticks. We added a few to them to help create a bridge for us both. This became part of the experience of the area.

Out of the Creek

We finally crossed the creek for the last time and the path went through the woods with the cliffs to the right of us now.

The creek flows into a larger creek and we went right along the footpath. I checked my All Trails App that I use to help guide the way and saw that the trail just ends among trees.

I saw a large green-topped sandstone boulder and made sure to make a note of it since this seemed to be the last point in which you can make out the trail.

Checking out the rocky terrain on the way back. — Checking out the rocky terrain.

Going Back

Now we walked back the way we came which was easier now since we had created the stick bridges and knew where we had to go. As we came close to where we started the hike I asked Andrew if he wanted to go to the right where the trail went by a few other sandstone bluffs. He said no. So next time I’ll have to check out the short side trail going to the right of the entrance trail.

Final Thoughts

I consider this an adventure hike with the kid. He enjoyed the stick bridges, log bridges, and exploring the deep outcroppings that create a cave-like feel in some of them. I think with an active kid this is a great hike.

Although this is not an easy trek for someone with a very young child since there is a lot of up and down and it is not a flat trail. We also had to watch ourselves around the rock outcroppings along with going back and forth across the creek.

This area is filled with sandstone outcroppings. — This area is filled with sandstone outcroppings

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 55 or Interstate 270 to Interstate 70 going east out of St. Louis. Then take exit 76 and make a left onto Interstate Drive which leads to St. Elmo and take a right onto US 40. Next, look for Illinois Highway 128 and make a left onto this road and look for a small parking lot on your right for Rock Cave Nature Preserve.

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Admission: Free

Address: Altamont, IL 62411