Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Bay Creek Wilderness (
map) in 1990 and it now has a total of
2,759 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Illinois and is managed by the Forest Service.
The Bay Creek Wilderness is bordered by
the
Burden Falls Wilderness to the northwest.
Description
Bay Creek runs year-round, creating excellent conditions for woodland species including oak, pine, cedar, and ash, and flowering trees such as dogwood, redbud, wild cherry, and plum. On the north side, Bay Creek Wilderness shares a border with Burden Falls Wilderness. Bluffs colored by bands of iron oxide and unusual limestone and sandstone formations attract human visitors. Permits are not required for trail use or camping. Leave all archaeological sites as you find them, and don't touch "leaves of three"; poison ivy grows here as a vine, a freestanding low plant, and a freestanding high shrub.
