Take a Unique Adventure On Illinois’s Best Kayaking Trail

Incredible hikes are found across the state, but there is no doubt that some of the best trails in Illinois are in the Shawnee National Forest. Located in southern Illinois, Shawnee features breathtaking landscapes like cliffs, canyons, and forests that are unique to this part of the Prairie State. One of its more surprising highlights is the Cache River Wetlands, including the northernmost cypress swamp in the nation. While there are many opportunities to hike the Cache River Wetlands, the best way to explore is by getting out on the water on this kayaking route in Illinois.

Where This Trail Is and What Makes It Unique

If you have ever seen a Louisiana bayou, you will be surprised to find a similar environment in Illinois. Covering more than 14,000 acres, the Cache River State Natural Area is located in and around the Shawnee National Forest. A great way to begin your trip is to stop at the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center in Cypress, Illinois, to learn more about this extraordinary ecosystem.  

The Cache River Wetlands stretches across 45,000 acres of protected land where ancient trees stand watch over murky cypress and tupelo swamps. The wetlands are home to more than 100 endangered species and were named one of only 15 Wetlands of International Importance.

Why It’s Better Than a Traditional Hike

The wetland trails are some of the best hikes in Illinois, but nothing compares to exploring the Cache River Wetlands from the water. The Lower Cache River Trail is one of the best kayaking spots in Illinois. The easy, three to six-mile-long trail allows you to immerse yourself in the environment and appreciate its species up close. Paddlers can follow international canoe symbols and yellow stripes on trees through the serene landscape through the cypress-tupelo swamp in canoes, kayaks, or jon boats with a 10-horsepower.

The wetlands are home to 11 state champion trees, the largest of their species in the state. Visitors can paddle the Lower Cache River Trail to see the state champion bald cypress tree, which has been standing here for more than one thousand years. Take in the singing tree frogs and birds while trying to spot eagles, river otters, and more.

Tips for Visiting

If you have your own kayak or canoe, you can access the public boat launch at the Lower Cache Access off Perks Road. While the trail is marked, you can pick up a water trail map at the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center

No kayak? No worries. Cache Bayou Outfitters is a non-profit outfitter that offers kayak and canoe rentals, guided tours, and workshops. Let their naturalists guide you through a 2.6-mile canoe trail loop in this wild wonderland, and don’t miss their seasonal full moon evening tours.

The Lower Cache River Trail is one of the most distinctive river activities in Illinois. With amazing scenery that you can’t find anywhere else in the state and a beginner-friendly paddle trail in Illinois, the river trail is an easy and exciting way to enjoy the Cache River Wetlands. For more information, visit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website and the Enjoy Illinois website.