Periodically we do a Mega Hike for our employees. This is really good for our employees, as it gets them acquainted with the canyons and trails. We had to omit the trails East of Hennepin Canyon, Rt. 71 was closed East of Hennepin Canyon. They are working on Dimmick Hill (near Council Overhang). Had great weather and even some colors.
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| Still some yellow colors |
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| Coming down the hill from the parking area. We had 9 hikers and 2 dogs |
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| Hidden Canyon. Hidden Canyon is hidden, so we think we found it. |
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| All taking a short break near Owl Canyon |
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| Bridge along the River Trail |
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| This baby Oak tree has some great Fall colors. |
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| I see so many leaves on the trail. I know that this is an Oak leaf, but what kind? My guess some type of a white oak. |
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| Going into LaSalle Canyon. This canyon is so massive, it is hard to encompass the beauty in a photo. |
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| LaSalle Canyon waterfall. It was great showing this canyon to Teresa, who is one of the operators at the Front Desk. She finally got to see one of the canyons that everyone talks about. Thrilling! |
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| Hidden steps in LaSalle Canyon |
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| LaSalle Canyon waterfall |
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| (top row) Teresa, Ashley, John, Kevin, Joe, John, Amy, (bottom row) Rosie, Amy and Cash |
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| What a great group of employees |
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| Sandstone formation coming out of LaSalle and going into Tonti |
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| Tonti waterfall on the West wall |
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| Bridge going over the creek from LaSalle and Tonti Canyons |
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| Little Garter snake watching the trail near the bridge by LaSalle / Tonti Canyons |
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| No Name canyon on the river trail |
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| I call this the Paw Paw Forest (on the river trail) |
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| Not going up |
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| View of Eagles Cliff and the Lock and Dam from the river trail |
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| Wildcat Canyon's looking good |
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| Wildcat Waterfall |
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| Some lichen on the lower walls near the waterfall in Wildcat Canyon |
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| Paw Paw leaves are huge |
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| View of the Dam and Eagles Cliff from the River Trail |
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| Red Oak leaves on the trail. Red Oak have pointed ends and White Oak have rounded lobes. |
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| Still a great colorful view from Eagles Cliff. "Best view in the park" |
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| Illinois River traffic going West (this barge is waiting to lock through) |
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| Lock and Dam from Eagles Cliff |
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| View of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap |
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| Closer view of Starved Rock from Lover's Leap |
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| A few Pelicans still lingering behind. |
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| Take with you what you bring in. |
Now it is time for lunch. We enjoyed a Chicken Caesar wrap, bag of chips, apple, homemade granola bar and a bottle of water. Once lunch was over (30minutes) we headed out again for the 2nd half.
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| 1st stop after lunch is French Canyon |
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| Another view of French Canyon. Most people don't realize that this canyon has a sloping or cascading waterfall. |
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| Walking out of French Canyon |
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| View of Lover's Leap from the East side of Starved Rock |
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| The park is replacing the informational boards around the park. |
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| Plaque and bench at the base of Starved Rock |
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| Plaque near the bench |
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| It wouldn't be a complete Mega - Hike without a visit to Aurora Canyon |
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| Looking down into Aurora Canyon from the West Bluff trail |
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| There is hardly a trickle in St. Louis Canyon |
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| Joe shared his story of the Starved Rock Murders that took place on March 14, 1960. Yes, he is still in jail for the crime. |
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| Coming back on the West Bluff trail. Sac Canyon |
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| Last set of steps before the finish. Total ascension for the hike 1442 feet |
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| Finally finished. This Gingko tree rewarded me with some wonderful color. |
I will leave you with this: In life you will meet two types of people. The ones who build you up and the ones who tear you down. But in the end, you'll thank them both.
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