One Horse Gap

Geology and History

One Horse Gap is a unique geological area. During the Carboniferous period (circa 300 million years before the present), local geological conditions laid down a thick bed of gray sandstone in what is now southern Illinois. The eroding sandstone rocks are the remains of mountains that are over 300 millions years old. The area is geologically located on the south edge of an east-west trough formed by the northward tilt of the bedrock, and has been greatly affected by earthquakes and uplift. The combined effects of tremors, glacial melt waters, rain, freezing, thawing and wind have naturally sculpted the bluffs into several unusual formations. Unlike, much of Illinois, this plateau was never covered by glaciers; the furthest advance of ice sheets during the Illinoian glaciation stopped just north of the area. The area rock formations have been described as "reminding me of a moon scape." Large areas are rounded and bare of vegetation.

As with other wilderness areas within the Shawnee National Forest, One Horse Gap is made of second-growth forested areas, also known as a "Depression Forest," that until the land condemnations of the 1930s,was used as agriculture and logging land. Between 1880-1920s, Southern Illinois played a national role in timber production. The area was a logger's and lumber company's dream; individual acres of bottom land hardwoods yielded 25,000 board feet compared with an average bottom land forest of the state at 9,000 board fee. However, as a consequence of the reckless clearing, intensive logging, and the local practice of annually burning off the woods, southern Illinois hill-land was severely eroded or badly damaged by 1930. In the first year of operation, 1933-1934, the Civil Conservation Corps brought much needed jobs to the poverty stricken areas; a total of 40,888 acres in options was approved on 263 tracts at an estimated cost of $4.59 per acre. By 1939, the Forest had 183,446 acres purchased or optioned, and on September 6, President Roosevelt proclaimed the purchase units as the Shawnee National Forest.

Rock climbing

One Horse Gap has been described as "southern Illinois most remote bouldering area." The eastern region of the Shawnee National Forest is quite different from the rest. The giant, overhanging boulders that lay hidden in the vast forest almost resemble Elephant Rocks or Horse Pens 40, in the mountains of southern Missouri and Arkansas, respectively. Huge, exposed domes of sandstone jutting out of the earth is the staple of One Horse Gap. The maze of boulders contains many of the ingredients of a world class bouldering area. However, the rock quality for climbing is a little less than desirable. It is not chossy, but since it does not see the traffic as many of the climbing areas in southern Illinois, the rock is a little sandy and in some places covered in pebbles. Nevertheless, if everyone that bouldered in the area cleaned up a handful of problems, it would be one of the best bouldering areas around. The area contains over 25 established "problems" (bouldering term for route) that range from V0-V7 on John "Vermin" Sherman's V climbing scale. Many of these are classic and extremely aesthetic climbs. The area contains many unfinished projects that have potential to be on the upper end of the V scale (perhaps V10 or harder) and lots of other potential climbs for the future.

Horseback Riding

One horse Gap offers terrific horseback riding for those interested in primitive and unique surroundings. One Horse Gap Trail Ride This is an annual trail ride hosted by the Buckanan Family every year during Columbus day weekend. It is a five-day event that consists of camping, meals, music, entertainment, and trail riding. The event takes place New Hope Hill cams site inside the Shawnee National Forest. The Buchanan Family's One Horse Gap Trail Ride takes place at New Hope Hill camp near Williams Hill located 4 miles SW of Herod, IL. Camp is centrally located in the Eastern Region of the Shawnee National Forest. In an article about The One Horse Gap Trail Ride in Western Horseman, the Shawnee National Forest was chosen by Western Horseman magazine readers as one of The Top 5 Best Places to Ride!

Camping

There is a primitive campsite located near the One Horse Gap Lake shore. There is also one campsite near the bluffs that has a fire ring.

Frisbee Golf

Many may not know One horse Gap is also used for disk/frisbee golf. Once a year disk golfers from St. Louis travel to this amazing recreational area to set up a temporary 18 hole course for a weekend tournament. Participants show up to this tournament from Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky usually attracting a total of 25 players and a couple on-lookers. This event begins Friday and goes thru Sunday night, allowing for a long weekend of disk golf. The tournament begins Saturday morning around 10:00 am with two rounds of 18 holes played throughout the day, and then a glow round played that night. Finally Sunday two more rounds of 18 holes are played to finish off the tough tournament. Playing through rock formations, sandstone bluffs, and the forest make for amazing elevation changes that are typically unheard of in the state of Illinois make for an amazing tournament. Participants after stated they were glad to play at the challenging course, getting back to nature, and seeing the natural beauty that surrounded them at One Horse Gap.

One Horse Gap Lake

The One Horse Gap Lake is a 26-acre lake nestled in the hills and valleys of the Shawnee National Forest and is located .5 miles south of One Horse Gap. A primitive camping site is located near the One Horse Gap lake shore.

Species Present: Bluegill-Largemouth Bass-Channel Catfish.

Seasons: Open year round.

Vehicle Access: A gravel road leading to the lake provides good all weather access.

Boat Access: An unimproved boat landing provides access to the lake. Fishing from small carry in boats fitted with electric motors is the preferred way to fish this lake.

Directions

37.51798,-88.45840

The trail is best accessed via the River-to-River Trail from Raum Road.

Getting There "From Herod take Raum Road to Concord Cemetery. Markers for the River-to-River trail can be seen for the first 1.5 miles. The first road to the right leads to Williams Hill. The highest point in the area. Continue till the next fork in the road, bear right. The next intersection is Hartsville. Continue left, after a short distance the road makes a 90° turn to the right. A trail head for the River-to-River trail can be found to the left at Concord Cemetery. The River-to-River trail follows the road for a short time before crossing the road at small creek, just before the next turn, heading toward Lusk Creek Wilderness area. Just past the cemetery the road turns 90° to the left. Follow the road about a mile to the Old Grand Pierre cemetery. Turn left, continue .5 miles till you see the next gravel road. Turn left. at .25 miles the River-to-River trail crosses from the right and continues down the road for a short distance before crossing the road to the left. In about a mile you will see a trail head that leads to the right, it is about .33 miles to the top of the Gap.

Nearby Attractions

American Discovery Trail

River To River Trail- Premier hiking trail in southern Illinois. It spans 160 miles through the Shawnee National Forest from the Ohio River to the Mississippi River; it also crosses the southern section of the American Discovery Trail.

Williams Hill- The highest point in southern Illinois (1064 feet). Approximately 2 miles.

Illinois Iron Furnace - Approximately 30 miles

High Knob Picnic Area - Approximately 17 miles

Jackson Falls- The best and most extensive sport climbing in Illinois, that is accessible to the public. Approximately 25 miles

Trigg Tower Observatory. An Old star gazing observatory. Approximately 21 miles.

Millstone Bluff- prehistoric Native American Settlement. Containing Petroglyphs and stone box cemetery. Approximately 20 miles.

Lusk Creek- Primitive wilderness. Approximately 6 miles

Garden of the Gods-approximately 8 miles

Pounds Hollow Recreation Area- lake swimming, rock climbing (home to Illinois largest roof crack). Approximately 10 miles.

Gum Springs- Primitive Rock Climbing. approximately 24 miles

Cave-In-Rock State Park - Large shelter cave on the banks of the Ohio River. Approximately 24 miles.

One Horse Gap Youtube Videos

Part I-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXroNUi5Ric

Part II-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjwA2aOSoLo