Cache River State Natural Area in Illinois, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Cache River State Natural Area in southern Illinois protects cypress and tupelo wetlands across separate units. Begin with the wetlands center and a short walk, or plan a Lower Cache canoe trip as a separate outing. The office, center and trail access points serve different purposes.

See the swamp from a boardwalk

The Todd Fink–Heron Pond Trail is a 1.5-mile round trip with a floating boardwalk and interpretive panels. It offers an introduction to the wetland landscape without committing to a long backcountry route. Little Black Slough, Lower Cache Swamps and Glass Hill are the natural area’s principal units.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Treat a canoe trip as its own plan

The marked Lower Cache canoe route is three to six miles and can take three to five hours. The very small gradient means you return to the launch rather than relying on a shuttle downstream. Follow canoe symbols and yellow markers. The upper river has fallen logs and eroded banks that can make passage difficult or impossible. Venomous snakes occur here; give them room.

Respect the wetland and property boundaries

Keep pets leashed. Do not enter private property without permission, and use the public access routes identified in the official canoe information.

Ask staff about your intended route

Obtain maps and route information from the headquarters or wetlands center before a longer walk or paddle. Contact staff when planning a group visit, especially when high water or the center’s closure affects your plan.

Choose the correct access point

The park office is at 930 Sunflower Lane, Belknap, IL 62908. The wetlands center is south of Whitehill on Illinois Route 37. For Lower Cache canoe access, the agency describes turning west from Route 37 onto Perks Road for 1.75 miles, then south on Access Road for one mile. Do not substitute the office address for a boat launch.

Two southern Illinois road stops

Ferne Clyffe State Park is one mile south of Goreville on Illinois Route 37, with the address 90 Office Drive. Its posted water-service problem warrants checking facilities before stopping. Fort Massac State Park is at 1308 East 5th Street in Metropolis, a separate riverfront history destination.

Choose a short introduction or a longer walk

Start with the Heron Pond round trip for interpretive stops. Little Black Slough Trail is a 5.5-mile moderate route, with the high-water ford hazard to consider. For paddling, use the Lower Cache route and its marked public access rather than treating the whole river as equally navigable.

Use the center for public services

The wetlands center has public restrooms, drinking water, exhibits and a short video. Accessible parking and a concrete walkway connect its services with an accessible boardwalk. The office has accessible parking but no public restrooms; plan the comfort stop at the center during its opening hours.

About the Cache wetlands

International wetland recognition

The Cache River wetlands received Ramsar recognition in 1996, reflecting their international importance.

Watch water, trees and sky

Herons, waterfowl, owls and eagles are among the birds described by the agency. Cypress and tupelo define much of the wetland setting. Bring binoculars and observe without approaching animals.

Contact

Call 618-995-2411 or email [email protected]. Consult the official natural-area page, activity descriptions and current closures.