Bay Creek Wilderness is a 1,100-acre nature preserve in Illinois featuring diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and scenic views.
The Bay Creek Wilderness is a 2,564-acre protected area located in southern Illinois. It is known for its diverse ecosystems and unique features that make it a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts.
The Bay Creek Wilderness plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of southern Illinois. The old-growth forests provide important habitat for rare plant species, while the stream and wetland habitats support a variety of aquatic species. The wilderness area is also an important stopover for migratory birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.
In addition to its ecological significance, the Bay Creek Wilderness offers recreational opportunities for visitors to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Hiking trails wind through the forests and along the creek, providing opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and experience the tranquility of the wilderness.
The Bay Creek Wilderness is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the area. Here are some of the most popular points of interest to check out:
The Bay Creek Trail is a scenic hiking trail that winds through the wilderness, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all skill levels.
Bay Creek Lake is a tranquil body of water located within the wilderness area. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the lake, as well as picnicking along its shores.
Bay Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall that cascades down a series of rocks, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The falls are a popular spot for photography and relaxation.
The Bay Creek Wilderness is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and other native species. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the area, especially during the early morning and evening hours.
For those looking to spend more time in the wilderness, camping is available at designated campsites within the Bay Creek Wilderness. Campers can enjoy a rustic camping experience surrounded by nature.
Overall, the Bay Creek Wilderness offers a range of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy. Whether you're looking for a leisurely hike, a peaceful lake to relax by, or a chance to spot some wildlife, this wilderness area has something for everyone.
Description: On March 12, 2019, President Trump signed the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9 also known as the Dingell Act), a comprehensive public land management bill with over 170 separate sections that affect almost every state in the nation. Among the spectacular new additions to the National Landscape Conservation System in Oregon/Washington include: • the designation of approximately 200 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the Coos Bay, Medford, and Northwest Oregon Districts. These 48 wild, scenic, and recreational segments are spread across nine newly designated wild and scenic rivers and two pre-existing designations. • the designation of the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness in the Coos Bay District; and • an adjustment of the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area boundary in the Prineville District in central Oregon. These 48 river segments add to the 25 wild and scenic rivers, comprising over 800 miles, managed BLM in Oregon. These rivers are designated for preservation of their free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, cultural, or other values and managed in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Before visiting these rivers, be sure to check with the local BLM office to learn about the river including river conditions, potential hazards (e.g. underwater terrain) and allowed water activities. Know your limits and pick an appropriate activity for your group's size and ability. Check that everyone has a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket and that each person's life jacket fits properly. Develop a Plan B in case things change and you can't do your planned activity. Complete and share your Trip Plan with someone who is not going on the trip. Develop a plan of action so you know what to do if there is an emergency (e.g. you go overboard, your boat flips, hazardous river conditions). Always wear your life jacket! Stick to your intended route. Keep an eye on environmental changes (weather, wildlife, water conditions etc.) and your group to assess if you should continue your trip or turn back. More information on these outstanding National Conservation Lands in Oregon/Washington is available online: www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/oregon-w...
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: On March 12, 2019, President Trump signed the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9 also known as the Dingell Act), a comprehensive public land management bill with over 170 separate sections that affect almost every state in the nation. Among the spectacular new additions to the National Landscape Conservation System in Oregon/Washington include: • the designation of approximately 200 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the Coos Bay, Medford, and Northwest Oregon Districts. These 48 wild, scenic, and recreational segments are spread across nine newly designated wild and scenic rivers and two pre-existing designations. • the designation of the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness in the Coos Bay District; and • an adjustment of the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area boundary in the Prineville District in central Oregon. These 48 river segments add to the 25 wild and scenic rivers, comprising over 800 miles, managed BLM in Oregon. These rivers are designated for preservation of their free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, cultural, or other values and managed in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Before visiting these rivers, be sure to check with the local BLM office to learn about the river including river conditions, potential hazards (e.g. underwater terrain) and allowed water activities. Know your limits and pick an appropriate activity for your group's size and ability. Check that everyone has a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket and that each person's life jacket fits properly. Develop a Plan B in case things change and you can't do your planned activity. Complete and share your Trip Plan with someone who is not going on the trip. Develop a plan of action so you know what to do if there is an emergency (e.g. you go overboard, your boat flips, hazardous river conditions). Always wear your life jacket! Stick to your intended route. Keep an eye on environmental changes (weather, wildlife, water conditions etc.) and your group to assess if you should continue your trip or turn back. More information on these outstanding National Conservation Lands in Oregon/Washington is available online: www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/oregon-w...
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia
Description: On March 12, 2019, President Trump signed the John D. Dingell Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Public Law 116-9 also known as the Dingell Act), a comprehensive public land management bill with over 170 separate sections that affect almost every state in the nation. Among the spectacular new additions to the National Landscape Conservation System in Oregon/Washington include: • the designation of approximately 200 miles of wild and scenic rivers in the Coos Bay, Medford, and Northwest Oregon Districts. These 48 wild, scenic, and recreational segments are spread across nine newly designated wild and scenic rivers and two pre-existing designations. • the designation of the Devil’s Staircase Wilderness in the Coos Bay District; and • an adjustment of the Deschutes Canyon-Steelhead Falls Wilderness Study Area boundary in the Prineville District in central Oregon. These 48 river segments add to the 25 wild and scenic rivers, comprising over 800 miles, managed BLM in Oregon. These rivers are designated for preservation of their free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, cultural, or other values and managed in accordance with the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. Before visiting these rivers, be sure to check with the local BLM office to learn about the river including river conditions, potential hazards (e.g. underwater terrain) and allowed water activities. Know your limits and pick an appropriate activity for your group's size and ability. Check that everyone has a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket and that each person's life jacket fits properly. Develop a Plan B in case things change and you can't do your planned activity. Complete and share your Trip Plan with someone who is not going on the trip. Develop a plan of action so you know what to do if there is an emergency (e.g. you go overboard, your boat flips, hazardous river conditions). Always wear your life jacket! Stick to your intended route. Keep an eye on environmental changes (weather, wildlife, water conditions etc.) and your group to assess if you should continue your trip or turn back. More information on these outstanding National Conservation Lands in Oregon/Washington is available online: www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/oregon-w...
Image by BLM Oregon & Washington – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia