River Bluff Trail

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Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

To access the River Bluff Trail use the Spring Valley Trailhead. The trail will start across Cliff Cave Road and make a one mile loop. The trail is mostly dirt with some loose rocks, and it provides an excellent view of the Mississippi River and the surrounding valley from atop the bluff. The hills on this loop are mostly gradual with only a couple steep sections.

As you hike along, you'll notice the surrounding plants and trees that thrive in the shallow soil of the bluff. There are some gnarled chinquapin oaks growing on the droughty hillside, and side-oats grama and little bluestem are two native grasses that you'll likely see in this rocky environment. Along with these native grasses, there are many type of wildflowers growing along the bluff and rocky hillside from which you'll also have some great views of the Mississippi River.