Lusk Creek Trail to Indian Kitchen

The Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve features an outstanding scenic view also called Indian Kitchen. Trails for hiking and equestrian use will take you by some indications of past use by people including homestead, fruit trees, cemeteries and abandoned roads. The Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Trail is part of the Lusk Creek Wilderness, which was designated as a wilderness area by the Illinois Wilderness Act of 1990 (PL101-633) with 5126 Total Acres. 4796 acres is National Forest System Land managed by the US Forest Service. Follow the Lusk Creek Canyon Trail FS 433 from the trailhead at Eddyville Blacktop Rd along the old abandoned road for approximately 1.5 miles. The trail forks so take the left fork for approximately mile to the horse corral. A single path leads down to the bluff into the canyon where you can get a good view of the canyon walls. You may encounter slippery surfaces and steep slopes, especially in wet conditions. Stay on the trail. All items are protected by law. Also, horses are not permitted in the Preserve. Canoeing is very a popular activity on Lusk Creek during the spring and early summer. Camping along the creek is discouraged because of the probability of flash flooding. Also, camping is not allowed in Lusk Creek Canyon Nature Preserve. Located adjacent to Lusk Creek Wilderness is the East Fork Special Management Area. This area is designated to become a wilderness all its own. The Illinois Wilderness bill has designated East Fork to become a Wilderness area in late November, 1998.