Gilbertville to Brandon, Iowa Detour

Due to a construction project that involves replacing a bridge and rehabilitating a culvert, an 18-mile section of the Cedar Valley Nature Trail is currently closed. As a result, hikers following the American Discovery Trail will need to take a detour that follows a series of rural roads between Gilbertville and Brandon.

The closure is expected to last into the summer.

Hikers can continue along the trail by following the posted detour; the track and waypoints are available on Hiking America on Gaia GPS.

The Iowa Segment 5 guide also includes 11 pages of directions and new maps to help hikers navigate the detour and complete their journey from Gilbertville to Brandon.

Fun Fact: Gilbertville

Irish-English singer-songwriter Gilbert O'Sullivan named his 2011 album Gilbertville after Gilbertville. The album cover features Exit 66 on Highway 380, the halfway point between Raymond (his real name) and Gilbertville.

Illinois - Southern Route

Segment 1 - Saint Louis to Prairie du Rocher

Added Columbia services information, a stealth camping site, and Fort de Chartres services notes - HT Bernie'22

Segment 2 - Prairie du Rocher to Grand Tower

Added a park with water in Rockwood. Added restaurant outside Prairie du Rocher and legal stealth campsite along the Kaskaskia River.

Ohio

Segment 2 - Cincinnati to Mt Orab

Added new waypoints from Bernie Krausse to include a new Trail Angel in the Williamsburg area.

Segment 10 - Chesterhill to Ohio/West Virginia State Line

Added historical information on the origin and pronunciation of the town of Belpre.

News

Feeding birds at Chickadee Ridge is fine, say University of Nevada scientists

Supplementing the chickadees’ natural food sources with food provided by hand did not negatively impact them, as long as certain rules are followed.

Reno Gazette JournalScott Sonner, Associated Press, Reno Gazette Journal

Hike Your Hike - John.