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Thursday, May 21, 2015 • 13
Plenty of trails await at Lowden-Miller State Forest Twenty-two miles of trails through deep woods makes Lowden-Miller State Forest a favorite of nature enthusiasts, including the four-legged ones. “Our trails for horseback riding and for hiking are ready,” said site superintendent Grant Afflerbaugh. “The turkey season ended Thursday (May 14) so the state forest is now open sunrise to sunset every day.” Trails vary in length and difficulty, and ample parking is provided for horse trailers. Restroom facilities are not readily available. The trails are also open during the wintertime for cross country skiing. The forest also has hunting seasons for squirrel, turkey, and deer. Summer hikers and
bird watchers will not be disappointed. In the spring, the forest rings with bird calls as many migratory species make their way back north from their winter homes. Birders can see a variety of warblers and rose-breasted grosbeaks, and if they’re really lucky, an occasional pilated woodpecker. Great blue herons, turkey vultures, wild turkey, and owls also live in the forest. Visitors to the park can see wildlife and wildflowers from just about any of the forest’s hiking trails. For the past several years eagles have nested near the property and vigilant birders may get a glimpse of a bald eagle chick taking its maiden flight. Bald eagles can be easily seen in the winter months as
they travel the Rock River snaring fish from the open water areas north and south of the dam in Oregon. The state forest is located on the east bank of the Rock River directly across from Castle Rock State Park. Last fall, its 2,300 acres was expanded by 65 with the purchase of the former Sinnissippi Forest Christmas tree lot and office site. Trails begin at each of the forest’s six parking lots. Information boxes with brochures and maps are available at each trail head to help guide visitors. Visitors can learn about some of the trees in the forest on the Loggers Trail, a selfguided nature trail that is approximately one and a half miles long. It is accessible from parking lot one. Each of the 35 stations
Wild turkeys raise their heads as they search for insects while in a field. Turkeys can been seen, and sometimes heard, in Ogle County’s state parks and state forest.
along the Loggers Trail offers information about the woodlands and shows how to identify trees, plants and animal tracks. The trail honors the legacy of Frank O. Lowden who originally owned the
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river” or “troubled waters.” The Lowdens embraced proper land usage and believed in reforestation to retard soil erosion. Lowden’s farming operation incorporated Turn to page 14
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property. Lowden was the governor of Illinois from 1917 to 1921. He and his wife, Florence Pullman Lowden, called the tract “Sinnissippi Forest.” Sinnissippi was a Native American term for “rocky
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• Admission is $20 per vehicle. Price includes booklet and tour map. • Tour starts at 1st Barn Stop, Whiteside County Fairgrounds, 201 W. Winfield Street, Morrison • Whiteside County Cattleman’s Association will have lunch available on the tour route both days.
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