Mississippi Points of Interest

LaRue-Pine Hills-Otter Pond Research Natural Area


LaRue-Pine Hills is one of the most unique areas in the world. As with many places in the Shawnee National Forest, the beauty we see today is rooted in geologic history.  LaRue-Pine Hills it took millions of years to form its bedrock before nature’s erosive forces took over and created the 150-foot limestone bluffs that now rise out of the Mississippi floodplain.The area derives its name from the nearby tiny settlement of LaRue and the distinct short-leaf native pine stands on its blufftops.  These massive bluffs extending roughly 5 miles along Highway 3 are as impressive today as they were to explorers Lewis and Clark in 1803.

LaRue-Pine Hills’ unique physical characteristics dictate and support a rich biodiversity not found anywhere else in the country. In all, the area covers about 4.5 square miles (3547 acres) and contains 14 natural communities including forests, wetland, prairie, glade and barren ecosystems and geologic features. Please help protect this special place for future generations to enjoy, study and appreciate. 


LARUE-PINE HILLS-OTTER POND RESEARCH NATURAL AREA
Campground Restrictions
This Research Natural Area has been established to protect a number of special plants, animals and natural community types. To help meet these objectives the following restrictions apply to public use and occupancy of the area.

The following is prohibited:

  • Collection, handling or removal of any snake species. This includes gathering, herding, harassing or having in possession. Also to have in your possession collecting equipment (unless authorized).
  • The use of horses except on Forest Road 345.
  • Overnight camping.
  • Building, maintaining, attending or using a campfire (gas stoves are allowed).
  • Excavation, disturbance or removal of any soil, stone, or material lying upon or contained in the rock or soil of the area.
  • Cutting, killing, destroying, injuring or removing living vegetation.
  • Taking or killing of any animal, bird, fish, reptile or amphibian, except for game species as defined and permitted by Illinois state laws.
  • Conducting certain activities such as, research projects, tours, group visits, etc. which the Forest Service has not approved in writing.*
  • To possess or use motorized or non-motorized vehicles and cycles off-road.
  • Using a gas-powered motorized watercraft (electric trolling motors are allowed).
  • Rappelling or rock climbing.
  • Abandonment of garbage brought to the LaRue-Pine Hills RNA.
  • Establishment of commercial enterprise, construction of any improvements, establishment of permanent or semi-permanent camps or erection of structures. Temporary waterfowl blinds are permitted, but must be removed at the end of each hunting day.
Amenities

Area roads offer flat pull-outs for viewing. Picnic tables and vault toilets meet ADA standards. The "Snake Road" is a gravel road and flat in elevation however some low spots may have standing water on them.


Points of Interest
Location
LaRue-Pine Hills-Otter Pond Research Natural Area

Nearby Camping
Location Campsites Reservations Toilets Showers Elevation
Pyramid State Park 80 475 ft
Lake Ross Barnett 22 402 ft
Veterans Memorial Field - Portage Numerous 784 ft
Langford Lake 11 1,681 ft
Dells of the Eau Claire Park - Wausau 27 1,408 ft
Trail of Tears State Forest Numerous 525 ft
Bergland Town Park 15 1,320 ft
Sylvania - Clark Lake 48 1,830 ft
Shockaloe Base Camp I 10 578 ft
Sherwood Forest Numerous 625 ft
Lake Gogebic County Park Numerous 1,296 ft
Pine Hills 13 460 ft
Lake De Pue City Park 25 466 ft
Pomeroy Lake 17 1,643 ft
McLeod Water Park Numerous 22 ft
Marathon Lake 71 481 ft
Dam West - Lake Carlyle 110 453 ft
Eldon Hazlet State Park 350 455 ft
Woodford State Conservation Area Numerous 472 ft
Devils Backbone Park 20 362 ft
Lake Murphysboro State Park 75 403 ft
Buccaneer State Park 276 5 ft
Carl Spindler Numerous 456 ft
Trail of Tears State Park Numerous 441 ft
Big Creek Waterpark Numerous 254 ft
Lake Gogebic State Park 165 1,304 ft
Jamison Town Park 18 823 ft
Turkey Bayou Numerous 371 ft
Sangchris Lake State Park 185 586 ft
Washington County Lake State Conservation Area 150 503 ft
Johnson Creek 20 644 ft
Green River State Wildlife Area 50 677 ft
Collins Park 25 1,212 ft
Otter Lake 25 1,643 ft
Little Black Creek Waterpark Numerous 296 ft

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