Hike/Explore

Welcome to Illinois' First Road ... The Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail!

Home

History & Culture

KCT ... The Beginning
- Settling
  - Cultural Change
    After the Revolution
    War of 1812
    After Illinois Statehood

Nature

Randolph Co.
- Monroe Co.
  - St. Clair Co.
    Hike/Explore
    Illinois Ozarks

Attractions

Kaskaskia Island
Chester
Ellis Grove
Modoc
Prairie du Rocher

Visitor Services

St. Clair
- Photo Gallery
  - Drive the KC Trail

Contact

Kaskaskia and Mississippi Confluence Trail at the Jerry F. Costello Kaskaskia Lock and Dam and Recreation Area near Modoc in Randolph County (United States Army Corps of Engineers). Middle Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge in several areas of Randolph County including Rockwood, Kaskaskia Island and Beaver Island (United States Fish & Wildlife Service). Kidd Lake Marsh State Natural Area near Fults in Monroe County (Illinois Department of Natural Resources). The Illinois Ozarks The upland section of the trail (KCT) in St Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties proceeds through the Illinois Ozarks, ﷯a 130,000-acre narrow band of rugged landscape running parallel to the river valley. Found only in this part of southwestern Illinois, this ecosystem is the eastern edge of the Ozark Uplift, a geologic structure of exposed, ancient bedrock formed and evolved over millions of years and centered in the Ozark Mountains of Missouri. Besides the eastern edge in southwestern Illinois, this Ozark Biome encompasses almost all of southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, and northeastern Oklahoma. Hundreds of plant and animal species live only in the diverse and unique habitats developed by the geology, hydrology and climate of the Ozark landscape. Great limestone cliffs, up to 300 feet high, mark the edge of the Mississippi River valley. Dry loess hill prairies and limestone glades are present on top of these west and southwest facing pinnacles and steep talus slopes with dry, rocky forests surrounding them. Many areas of the Ozark landscape are not suitable for cultivation, so large blocks of hardwood forests cover rolling hills, dissected valleys, and shady ravines. Karst features like cold water springs, rocky creeks, underground streams, caves and thousands of sinkholes are a testament to the power of the water that has dissolved and carved the limestone into an underground labyrinth. The forest and agricultural fields that lay (are intertwined) throughout Monroe County’s karst plain are pockmarked, dimpled and punctuated by over 10,000 sink holes and more cave openings than any region of Illinois.

Great Places to Hike and Explore the American Bottom

Find the historical, cultural and natural attractions on this southwestern Illinois route. Plan a fun-filled day or weekend soon. Simply follow the route signs! Let us know what you think: KCTrailIllinois@gmail.com or find us on Facebook!

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