![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtCxTHC_60m7Av5LsHXmN9oysTQq-TYxENmgHqwfbirjENX1SuQ2MR70Iu9iHdRtMIIu9LSedYutRcOOn4pRnQCR-zUhi-fYn1LbfNrZphR56uLPUWpMLQb6NgFfUP4ID5_Sjme5rbF8/s640/Piney+Creek+Sign.png)
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This sandstone shelter protects the rock art. |
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An example of some of the better-preserved petroglyphs. |
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An example of some of the better-preserved petroglyphs. |
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Settlers from 1878 couldn't resist carving their names into the rock. |
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This Masonic symbol was etched in 1913. |
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Some people have tried to "enhance" the rock art by outlining it with paint or chalk. |
While the rock art is no longer pristine, the rest of Piney Creek Ravine is relatively unspoiled. Managed as a State Natural Area, this nature preserve also features a beautiful sampling of the sandstone bluffs, canyons, waterfalls, and shelters that are found throughout Southern Illinois.
A two-mile trail loops around the ravine, but many visitors choose to scramble up and down Piney Creek.
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A bluff along the lower part of the creek. Notice how the layers of rock have eroded at different rates. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBx10JNYGph14Sbler2YnUNF6lTo2oQ6Ko4U3gBfsCuDPoNQiX6Sz_k_talA8i4RIKKCgTkQUrb8-73O8ycqaiIBVKFoD6qGUKLiHLDtyH1MKnHa4Gv0ZmuYyrwA3XlIB1SCpP89bG2hQ/s640/piney-creek-streambed+%25281%2529.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGO4jpEmC7UqXqo3Wei5AsQ8iBraSoY3o_2aKZPdxvuP_7ezf3SEuIH-gqwo-gIP2FD8jmidKN9vqu5D5zzOrRytWa1x5eo0Mk4wAvzmW8CCgr2-xTr4pjhKYXyOw3W9bRUrNbvNwAmtU/s640/piney-creek-ledge.jpg)
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDb7KLdSH1MazB8WNR-CjAIbmdCFsNH0rjoDTDAEVq8CJUwYnZoM2ZDFwWq0x3GsfxC3JWnzc8tr2IPFw6h_n-XpUt0fOG8np3fvkC2bvLKOn5XuvROfegV5KLW5dnUeLTIy7NY2L5B0/s640/piney-creek-dropoff.jpg)
Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.
That is a beautiful place. Too funny that even settlers did some "graffiti.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! I look forward to visiting in person soon and researching this unique Illinois archeological
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