Things to Do in Crab Orchard Wilderness

Crab Orchard Wilderness is a 4,050-acre congressionally designated area located within the larger Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Illinois. It features diverse habitats including oak hickory upland forests, bottomland hardwood forests, brushland, prairies, and wetlands. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking.

Crab Orchard Wilderness primarily offers opportunities for hiking. The varied terrain, from forested paths to sandstone bluffs and lakeside trails, provides diverse experiences. Visitors can explore different habitats and sections of the extensive River to River Trail.

Popular hiking trails include the Rocky Bluff Trail, a moderately difficult 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop, and the Homestead Trail, an easy to moderate 0.7-mile (1.1 km) loop. The Grassy Creek Trail is another option, a moderately difficult 1.4-mile (2.3 km) loop offering views of Devil's Kitchen Lake. For more details, refer to the Hiking in Crab Orchard Wilderness guide.

Yes, Crab Orchard Wilderness offers several easy hiking trails. The Homestead Trail is an easy to moderate 0.7-mile (1.1 km) loop, suitable for groups. The Harmony Trail is an easy 0.8-mile (1.3 km) loop, and the Woodland Trail is an easy 0.7-mile (1.1 km) loop, partly paved for accessibility.

The Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which encompasses the wilderness area, generally allows leashed dogs on its trails. Visitors should verify specific regulations for the wilderness area and individual trails before visiting.

The wilderness features dramatic sandstone outcroppings, shaded creeks, and intermittent waterfalls, particularly in the southern portion. Habitats include oak hickory forests, bottomland hardwood forests, prairies, and wetlands. Lakes such as Crab Orchard, Devil's Kitchen, and Little Grassy are also prominent features.

Yes, Crab Orchard Wilderness is an exceptional spot for bird watching and wildlife viewing. It is a critical winter haven for an average of 40,000 Canada geese annually and is situated in the Mississippi Flyway bird migration route. Over 245 bird species and 33 mammal species have been documented in the broader refuge.

Crab Orchard Wilderness has received an average rating of 4.67 out of 5 stars from more than 40 visitors on komoot. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users who have explored the area.

Yes, komoot offers guides for Crab Orchard Wilderness. A notable guide is Hiking in Crab Orchard Wilderness, which provides detailed information on routes and experiences in the area.

The official website for more information about Crab Orchard Wilderness is part of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website. It can be found at fws.gov/refuge/crab-orchard.

The main phone number for Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, which includes the wilderness area, is +1-618-997-3344. Inquiries can also be directed via email to CrabOrchard@fws.gov.

Yes, a five-mile (8 km) section of the extensive River to River Trail runs through the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, with portions passing through the scenic wilderness area. This provides opportunities for longer hikes.