for your littlest eaters - Radish Magazine

outdoors
Mega Hike
Tackle all the trails at Starved Rock State Park in one day
By Susan McPeters
Each year more than 2 million people visit Starved Rock State Park near Utica,
Ill. That works out to be just shy of 5,500 people a day — nearly 230 visitors
an hour! When you drive along the winding forested roads, it’s easy to see why
the Illinois Bureau of Tourism named Starved Rock one of the seven wonders
of Illinois. Its canyons lure hikers, the Illinois River attracts boaters and anglers,
and the sandstone bluff that gave the park its name draws sightseers from across
the Midwest.
The park boasts more than 2,700 acres containing 13-plus miles of hiking
trails that, combined, feature 18 canyons or views of the bluffs. With so much
ground to cover, it might seem almost impossible to see all of the park in one
trip. But is it? The upcoming Mega Hike at Starved Rock, a biannual event, is
organized to help ambitious nature lovers hike all 13 miles of trails in a single day.
In addition to providing transportation from one trailhead to the next, the Mega
Hike also supplies hungry hikers with boxed lunches and guides on the trails.
Edna Daugherty is activity director at the Starved Rock Lodge and the
organizing force behind the Mega Hike. She has worked at the park for 10 years,
though her personal history with Starved Rock goes even further back than that. “I
was born and raised in nearby Peru, and my family frequently camped and hiked
at Starved Rock,” she explains. Years later, Daugherty and her future husband
Randy would go on their first date, hiking at Starved Rock. “Our two children
enjoyed camping and hiking at the park,” says Daugherty, “but not as much as I
did growing up.”
Daugherty’s eventual position as activity director seems almost serendipitous.
She was working at a local grocery store when a friend mentioned that Starved
Rock had purchased a trolley and was looking for someone to organize tours.
“My friend felt I had good organizational skills in addition to having an in-depth
knowledge of the park and suggested I apply for the job,” recalls Daugherty.
“I wasn’t so sure I was qualified but I applied, had an interview and got it.”
Daugherty organized a trolley tour that was so successful the park acquired a
second trolley.
Prior to budget cuts, state park personnel guided several interpretive hikes a
week. In response to continued requests from hikers, Daugherty formed a group
of volunteers into the Starved Rock Walkers Club. Every Thursday morning at
9 a.m., club members take visitors on hikes either at Starved Rock or the nearby
Matthiessen State Park along the I & M Canal State Trail.
The Mega Hike came about by popular demand. It first was held in
September of 2010. While some hikers prefer a spring hike because the canyon
waterfalls are at their peak, Daugherty says, “It can be muddy and messy and I
spend a lot of time looking at where my feet are instead of looking up at the canyons.
That’s why I like the fall hike the best.”
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LaSalle Canyon, one of several waterfalls in Starved Rock State Park. (Submitted)
Hikers are transported by trolley to the east end of the park to begin the
Mega Hike. They complete about nine miles before stopping for lunch at the historic
park lodge, then they trek the final four miles in the afternoon. Daugherty
explains, “This also gives those who are tired an option to leave.”
Daugherty has hiked portions of the Appalachian Trail, the River-to-River
Trail, and makes an annual pilgrimage to the remote Isle Royale, her favorite
national park. But Starved Rock, with its rich history and surprising scenery, holds
a special place in her heart. “Many first time visitors think Illinois is flat, and they
are surprised to see the bluffs, the canyons and the waterfalls,” she says. “I think
people have a tendency to overlook the natural wonders in their own backyards.”
Still time to sign up
The next Mega Hike will take place Sept. 24 and 25, with trolleys departing
for the trailheads at 8:30 and 9 a.m. both days. Cost to participate is $35 per hiker,
which includes transportation, trail guides, boxed lunch and a T-shirt. Hikers
should wear comfortable shoes with good tread and bring a refillable container for
water. To reserve a spot, call (800) 868-7625.
More information about the park is available at starvedrockstatepark.org.