Cache River State Natural Area Wetland Backcountry Circuit

The Cache River cuts through southern Illinois like a forgotten world, where 1,000-year-old bald cypress trees rise from black water and tupelo gums create cathedral-like canopies. This backcountry circuit follows old hunting and fishing access roads through the Cache River State Natural Area, threading between seasonally flooded bottomlands and crossing multiple low-water bridges that become impassable during spring floods. The route passes the massive Champion Cypress near Karnak and winds through sections where the forest floor disappears under seasonal standing water.

Rated moderate due to seasonal flooding and soft muddy sections, this trail requires high-clearance vehicles during dry periods and becomes completely inaccessible during winter and early spring floods. Best tackled late summer through fall when water levels recede and access roads firm up. No permits required, but check water levels with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Dispersed camping isn’t allowed, but nearby state parks offer facilities. This is Illinois’ slice of southern swampland — a landscape more Louisiana than Lincoln.