River2River Trail: Any recommendations/t ips?

“I am planning to thru-hike the R2R in southern Illinois in October. To help me plan, I welcome any thoughts / info on water availability (year-round streams), can't-miss places (stuff not covered in guide books), logistics (buses, trains to/from trailheads), pace (guide books say 1 mph average -- seems very slow to me), etc.”

“I've never heard of that trail. How long is it?”

“The RTR trail goes across southern Ill from Battery Rock on the Ohio river to Grand Tower on the Mississippi River, about 160 miles. I've wanted to do it for a few years but can't seem to come up with enough time. I know the area and the parts I have seen are great!

Mnutz, where are you?!”

“the only advice i can tell you without taking a few minutes (too early this morning) is to avoid Garden of the Gods and go through Rim Rock just east of there. Water's normally not a problem in So. IL, but you will need to watch for Copperheads and Moccassins. It's normally warm enough in October that they're still very active.

I can probably provide more specific and better advice after thinking about it for a bit--I'm a bit groggy this morning. =)”

“I haven't thru-hiked the River2River but have done many sections. They have had some problems lately with people putting up false blazes to mislead you down side trails. Potentially pretty dangerous.

I am centrally located to the trail and could help you with re-supply. Unless you are a real fast-packer I would probably count on 10-12 miles a day. No big elevation changes, but some pretty rough trail.

This is a kinda pieced together trail with portions being on county roads and hi-ways. With the false blaze incidences, and all the cross and side trails and roads, it would be easy to get off trail. I could get the topos for you. They are better than what you will find in a guide book. They are 4 bucks a piece.

October should be great weather for you, however the water levels will be likely be very low. Probably plan on carrying a day and a half with you, as water may not be readily available everywhere you camp.

October is moving season for our Timber Rattlers, Moccasins, and Copperheads. They will be quite active, moving from the swampy lowlands up to den in the cliffs.

E-mail me and I will help you put this together. I would be interested in hiking a section or two with you, if you're interested. If not I understand I like to go solo alot, but I'll still help ya.”

“This trail has been featured at least a couple of times in BACKPACKER magazine. Not a lot of detail, but I think they gave an address for topos and info on a guide book or two.

Thanks for the info, m-nutz... I'm hoping to hike there sometime myself.”

“bbarner - Where are you located?

You are welcome, Rick. There is really some beautiful areas along the River2River.”

“i am currently in chicago, and a st. louis native, but i have done most of my backpacking in the southwest and northern michigan. this trip promises to be quite an adventure, so i am trying to get myself (and hiking partner) seriously educated about the r2r.

mnetz: can you give me a sense of what towns along the r2r might have stores? i can carry food for 5-6 days, but would prefer to do 2 drops (maybe eddyville and goreville). i may take you up on the topo offer, but i will check the web first.”