Trail of the week Monks Mound, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

You want a trail made for fitness? Its certain the builders of what we call Monks Mound in Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site werent thinking of a fitness station 1,700 or so years ago when work started on the hump, but thats how it has evolved.

Where Collinsville. On Collinsville Road, about halfway between Illinois 111 and Interstate 255, exit 24.

How long From the parking lot to the top of Monks Mound, one way about a half mile. The mound is 100 feet tall from the base to the top; 154 steps to the top terrace.

Difficulty Its actually easy; the walk up the steps is testimony to your fitness.

Surface Wooden steps, concrete approach from the parking lot.

Can be used for Foot traffic.

Hikers journal While Cahokia Mounds is known for its historic value, not many have discovered that Monks Mound, the tallest structure there, is an excellent place to blow out the pipes for outdoor conditioning. People walk the trail to the top once for the spectacular view of the area, including an unobstructed view of the St. Louis downtown and the Gateway Arch. But increasingly, walkers are getting to the top, heading back to the bottom, then back to the top, two, three or more times. The steps reach two terraces, and some folks walk to the first terrace, then return rather than brace the top. Officials say stay off the grass and only climb using the steps. Cahokia Mounds has about 10 miles of trails throughout the historic area, so long walks are available.

Parking A parking lot is directly across from the main entrance to the Interpretive Center entrance, close enough to stop in and check the exhibits.

Disabled access Except for the steps, the area is flat and paved, but the walkways are narrow.

Dogs On a short leash.

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Trail of the week Monks Mound, Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site