Hiking Buffalo Rock State Park, adventures(lost) on side trail, and two Buffalo

Описание: A three mile hike at Buffalo Rock State Park West of Ottawa, Illinois about five miles. The trail rides the bluff along the Illinois River. It’s a 2 1/2 mile loop trail which I made 3 plus with a side trail adventure. I should note it was a clear trail to start on there was no signage telling me not to enter as was present on other side trails. The detour took me into a woodsy and rocky area of the park and then the trail disappeared. I detest backtracking so I forged on heading toward the river and finding the trail again. No tics thankfully.

The other highlight are the two bison in a fenced in area near the parking lot. I’m not to keen on fenced animals but it was also nice to get up close and be safe. I’ve seen bison at Custer Park in SD and they are not to be messed with in wide open areas.

I went on a Wednesday but I’ve driven by on weekends and sometimes the parking lots are full.

Beautiful vistas of the river below as you head west. There are many mounds in the park. According to legend Native Americans it was used as a “blind Canyon to capture Buffalo.

Both Ottawa and Utica Illinois have many restaurants. I highly recommend the Cheese Shop in Ottawa for an after hiking sandwich and soup. A hidden treasure so use your gps to find it.