Backyard Adventures
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BACKYARD ADVENTURES 2017 PIKE PUBLISHING 1D TUES-FRI 9-6 • SAT 9-4 812-482-GUNS 317 SOUTHGATE CENTER, JASPER, INDIANA SHARING YOUR PASSION FOR THE CAMPING GEAR COMPOUND & CROSS BOWS OUTDOORS! CLOTHING FIREARMS PLUS: AMMO, SAFES, MUZZLELOADERS AND MORE AND MORE OUTDOORS INDOOR BOW TUNE LANE AUTHORIZED WARRANTY REPAIR CENTER BOW FISHING, TOO! 4 8 6 7 NICE SELECTION ◆ Sleeping Bags ◆ Tents and Backpacks ◆ Hydration Packs ◆ Water Filtration ◆ Hiking Boots ◆ Yeti Coolers ◆ Cookware ◆ and More STOP BY TODAY! NATURE'S GLORY Walking in SHAWNEE NATIONAL FOREST • GARDEN OF THE GODS WILDERNESS AREA STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRAN PETIT If you want to get away for the day or make it a long weekend, one of the most majestic places located in the Tri-State is less than a 2-hour drive from most anywhere in our area. The Shawnee National Forest, located in scenic Southern Illinois, offers adventure with some great hiking trails. Visiting the area is like being transported into another world. In contrast to flat and gently rolling farm land that's typi- cal throughout most of Illinois, the Shawnee National Forest boasts rough, unglaciated areas known as the Illinois Ozarks and Shawnee Hills. The geology is spectacular and diverse, with numerous stone bluffs that overlook pristine forests. The creation of the Shawnee took place more than 320 mil- lion years ago, when the wind and rain chiseled away at large deposits of sedimentary rock. Throughout the years, Mother Nature carved some of the most extraordinary rock forma- tions. The alpine garden of sandstone sculptures and huge untouched wilderness was rightfully christened as Garden of the Gods. The park contains a unique variety of plant and animal life that add to the scenic beauty. Garden of the Gods covers more than 3,300 acres of forest throughout Saline, Pope and Hardin counties in Southern Illinois. In addition to day hiking, there are numerous trails for backpacking that provide nature lovers a heaven-sent journey to experience the great outdoors. The Garden of the Gods area offers more than 8 miles of interconnecting trails. The most popular is Observation Trail. The crown jewel of the Shawnee, Garden of the Gods Obser- vation Trail, is a half-mile, heavily trafficked loop trail that features high cliffs and rock formations and is good for all skill CONTINUED ON THE NEXT PAGE >