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| Lake Kinkaid is most popular for its spillway where you will
find SIUC students cooling off during the hot summer months at the beach
and under the spillway's waterfalls. The man-made lake has many coves and
peninsulas outlined by beautiful bluffs and large rock outcroppings. The
lake is very popular for water sports. Since it has an unlimited horsepower
limit, you will commonly find jet skis, ski boats, and of course, good old
Southern Illinois fishing. Lake Kinkaid is also home to the popular diving
cliffs that tower 70 feet above the water and gradually taper to about 10 feet.
While riding the trail, you can get a good view of the cliffs located
on the other side of the lake. You might even see a few brave souls jumping
off head first into the water.
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| From the Dam trailhead, the trail heads north around the west side
of Lake Kinkaid and offers a varied terrain of technical singletrack. When riding
the trail, be prepared for some quick twisty single track to test your skills
while crossing rock gardens and drainages. There are plenty of natural rock drops
for you thrill seeking free riders, no need for ladders here! Once familiar with
the area, you might even find the secret diving cliff about 3 miles from the trailhead
that is oh so refreshing.
With out a doubt, this area of the Shawnee National Forest is aesthetically pleasing
and physically challenging. You won't find many lung busting climbs, but your
technique will definitely be tested on the technical terrain. Don't be discouraged;
almost all of it is rideable, but this trail would be considered advanced due to the
technical nature of the terrain. |
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| The Buttermilk Hill and Lake Kinkaid trail connect.
The "Dam" trail is about four miles long before it
intersects with the Buttermilk Hill trail. While riding from the Kinkaid trailhead, the
Kinkaid trail will actually become the Buttermilk
Hill trail after crossing the gravel forest service road. By the way, if you turn right
down the forest
service road, you will find a picnic area with bathrooms intended for boaters. The Buttermilk Hill trail
continues for approximately four miles to the Buttermilk Hill trailhead and parking area. Check out the map
and directions for more details on how to get to the trailheads |
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