Honor Role

The following are those who have completed the River to River Trail either as a Segmented Hike or Ride and a Through Hike or Ride.  If you would like to be included in the Honor Role, please submit the required data in the form on the page linked below.

Honor Role Submission Page

NAMEEMAILYEARWHENCOMMENTSMETHODTRIP TYPESEASONSHOME
Darral Warddarralward@gmail.com20249 days, 8 nightsI posted a day by day on Facebook, if any of that info or pictures is useful.
Summary:
Day 1 - 16.46 miles, 0810’ elevation, 6:15
Day 2 - 14.62 miles, 1565’ elevation, 6:05
Day 3 - 16.49 miles, 1939’ elevation, 6:52
Day 4 - 14:58 miles, 1161’ elevation, 5:41
Day 5 - 17.67 miles, 1427’ elevation, 7:05
Day 6 - 22.30 miles, 2165’ elevation, 11:01
Day 7 - 17.27 miles, 1191’ elevation, 8:22
Day 8 - 21.19 miles, 2270’ elevation, 9:43
Day 9 - 17.49 miles, 1959’ elevation, 6:54
HikeThru HikeSpringReed KY
Denna DeWittddewit0926@yahoo.com2024April 19-April 28 2024We traveled east to west. Trials on the east side are a disaster hard to travel due to atvs and horses. West side much better Ferne cliff area was my personal favorite.HikeThru HikeSpringKankakee, IL
Carmen Williamscarmenkenpo@gmail.com202416 days April 12-28, 2024Began in Elizabethtown on April 12th, 2024 and ended in Grand Tower on April 28th, 2024.HikeThru HikeSpringCrawfordville, Florida
Daniel Kochself.dankoch@gmail.com2024April 1 - April 11, 2024Hiked east to west. Weather started off warm, then stormy, then cold with sleet, then sunny and pleasant, followed by steady rain. Was able to view the total eclipse April 8. Lots of wildlife and some great scenery. Road walks were not bad. Maps worked well and trail was blazed adequately.HikeThru HikeSpringKnoxville, TN
Tom Stachyratoemasii@hotmail.com20243/21/24 - 3/29/24For my 2nd R2R trip I left Elizabethtown with 10 days of food and 2 liters of water at a 34 lb pack weight. My days had beautiful weather. It rained one evening which replenished the available water. The trail was well-marked and even the road walks were mostly pleasant and enjoyable.HikeThru HikeSpringMount Vernon, IL
Kristi Weaversaluki9301@gmail.com2023-2024August 20, 2023 - February 9, 2024Previously hiked from the Ohio to the Mississippi, so decided to do it backwards this time. As always, a beautiful and challenging experience that’s good for the mind, body, and spirit. Thanks to those who help with the upkeep of the trail!HikeSegmented HikeSummer
Fall
Winter
Carbondale, IL
David Hiltdwhilt55@gmail.com2023-20249/8/2023 - 2/9/2024Started at Grand Tower and ended at Elizabethtown. Hiked in sections mostly on Fridays and Saturdays.HikeSegmented HikeFall
Winter		Marion, IL
Kimberly A'Hearnkimberlyahearn@yahoo.com2023Approximately a yearOver the span of approximately one year and about maybe five trips to the area. I started in Elizabethtown to the garden of the Gods on the first trip. Then came back and this hike we kind of jumped from section to section, godwin east to west giant city
The third trip made it from Garden of the Gods and had to get off trail at new hope cemetery due to one of us being sick. Then number four from New hope cemetery to millstone lake trip five from mill stone and kind if jumped around to get all of the other sections that I had not done I'm sure I may have left something out here but what a wonderful five trips I made to that area and plan on coming back there to do some of the other loops but until then Happy trail to all the ladies I have hiked with
HikeSegmented HikeSpring
Summer
Galesburg Illinois
Melanie Kassonmkass@frontier.com202316 days during October and November 2023I section hiked with a friend so we could position a vehicle at each end of a section. There were 16 sections averaging around 10 miles each.HikeSegmented HikeFall
Winter
Tunnel Hill IL
John Plunkettcharliedango@gmail.com2023Westbound started Nov 4th in Elizabethtown. Got off trail Nov 5th at Garden of the Gods Backpacking camp. Returned Nov 10th and hiked to Grand Tower, finishing on Nov 17thDue to getting off trail because of sickness I chose to prepare daily drops of food, clothing and and water. I didn't filter water from any source on trail during the 8 day trip and relied only on the water I got from local restaurants/convenience stores and my own drops.HikeThru HikeFallJacksonville, Illinois
Vincent Fuquavincefuqua@yahoo.com2023Couple weeks ishThird time across this. 2017 westbound 2021 eastbound 2023 westboundHikeThru HikeSpring
Fall
Southern Illinois
James Schroederjimandamyschroeder@gmail.com2023December 23, 2019 - November 12, 2023Me (Jim) and my 4 oldest kids (Zach, Emma, Matthew, and Noah) took off on an unseasonably warm day in late December with a friend and his son, with the goal of segment hiking the entire trail by the time our oldest (Zach & Emma) graduated high school. Over the course of 11 segments and almost 4 years, we were joined by our family and many other friends for different segments of the trail. It was a tremendous experience, with our longest day being 17 miles into camp at Panther Den, and many overnights spent just off the trail, and one at the lodge at Giant City SP. We finished the trail on a beautiful Sunday morning at Grand Tower, a little less than 220 years after Meriwether Lewis stopped across the river for the night. Our oldest will graduate high school in May.HikeSegmented HikeSpring
Fall
Winter
Evansville, Indiana
Randy Simsheatherandrandy624@gmail.com2023October 15th-23rd, 20238 day through hikeHikeThru HikeFallVienna IL
Myron Fayzandchome@yahoo.com2023May 21, 2023 - October 14, 2023Completed first half from Elizabethtown to Goddard's Crossing May 21 - 25, 2023. Completed second half from Goddard's Crossing to Grand Tower October 6 - 14, 2023.HikeSegmented HikeSpring & FallTrenton, IL
Kevin Owenskjowens765@gmail.com20238/21/2023 -8/28/2023Completed in 7days 12hours. Eastbound. Grand Tower -Elizabethtown. Partially supported.HikeThru HikeSummer
Garion Leamon20232023Solo Westbound May 2023HikeThru HikeSpringCarterville, IL USA
Alex Fishelfishals11@gmail.com20232017-2023Completed the full trail east to west in 2023 after doing a section a year since 2017 with a group of 4 friends. Skipped 2022 due to conflicts.HikeSegmented HikeSpring, FallWashington, IL, USA
Dave Pogrebapogrebad@gmail.com20232023 SpringHikeThru HikeSummerUSA
Jason Durbinpapadurb01@gmail.com2023March 14 2023 - April 7 2023I started my hike in Grand Tower heading east. I did it in a three week period. I got off trail for a couple zero days for Easter with family in Golconda when I got to Shotgun Eddie's. Then got back on and finished the trail. Couldn't find water to filter and was dying of thirst by the time I got to herod church. Thank them for the water and snacks. Lost my Sawyer squeeze around one horse gap and almost died of thirst again until I got to high knob to hang out with JoJo. It had started to rain pretty hard by then so I set for a bit to get out of the rain for a little. Finished up and plan to do it again in 2024.HikeThru HikeSpringCampbellsville KY
Joe Ulmertentlifepro@gmail.com20232023 - April 1, 8:31am - April 9,
3:02pm		SPOT Map:
https://maps.findmespot.com/s/WX83
#RivertoRiverTrailAdventure		HikeThru HikeSpringChicago, IL
Glenn Lawrentzglawrentzjr@aol.com20232023 - Saturday April 1, 2023 to
Sunday April 9, 2023		(West to East)
https://youtu.be/Ju3PZH8zwpI		HikeThru HikeSpringLombard, IL USA
Karl Van Scyoc20232023 - March 3-19Westbound
thru-hike with 5 other
backpackers. Includes the
Battery Rock segment and
numerous off-trail points of
interest. Journal and a
selection of photos available
at
https://www.trailjournals.com/VanScyocR2R2023/		HikeThru HikeSpringMagnolia, TX
Lauren Glassglasslak@yahoo.com20222022 Jan - DecI hiked from Elizabethtown to Trigg Tower in January 2022. Then I hiked from Trigg Tower to Giant City SP March 2022. I completed my hike from Giant City SP to Grand Tower in Dec 2022.HikeSegmented HikeSpring, WinterSt. Paul, MN
Andrew Asher20222021-2022Group hike - Start date: October 20, 2021
Finish: October 19, 2022
HikeSegmented HikeFallSpringfield, Illinois
Rex Gradeless20222021-2022Group hike - Start date: October 20, 2021
Finish: October 19, 2022
HikeSegmented HikeFallSpringfield, Illinois
Scott Sievers20222021-2022Group hike - Start date: October 20, 2021
Finish: October 19, 2022
HikeSegmented HikeFallSpringfield, Illinois
Scott Bell20222021-2022Group hike - Start date: October 20, 2021
Finish: October 19, 2022
HikeSegmented HikeFallChatham, Illinois
Mike Jamesmikej8904@yahoo.com20222022FallHikeThru HikeFallHillsboro, IL USA
Joe Ryderlowjoe_69_lowjoe@yahoo.com20222022FallHikeThru HikeFallEldorado, Illinois 62930
Scott Grahamedselboy60@hotmail.com20222022 - Oct. 14-252022 Solo Battery Rock to Devils Backbone St. Pk. Oct. 14-25. Is there an Oldest Known Thru hiker? Or do you want to go there? LOL 66. I can provide more details of the trip -Scott.HikeThru HikeFallMount Vernon
Toran Fienetoranfiene@gmail.com20222022 - Oct 9th-14thHikeThru HikeFallIndianapolis, IN
Stephen Beardokapi52@hotmail.com20222022-0911-22Great hike. Avenza app definitely a big help. Started 9/11 at Elizabethtown finished 9/22 at Grand Tower.HikeThru HikeSummerPetersburg, Indiana, USA
Mike Gunderloyretired@larkfarm.com20222022 - August 6-12HikeThru HikeSummerNewburgh, Indiana, USA
William Hineswillk416@yahoo.com20222022 May 23-29
HikeThru HikeSummerLombard, IL United States
Tom Logsdonlogsdont@gmail.com20222022 - Jan 14 - Apr 24After having a Japan trip cancelled twice by Covid restrictions and aware of the inextricable linkage between age and health, I decided on an adventure less subject to bureaucratic interference and closer to home: section hiking the River to River Trail from Elizabethtown on the Ohio to Grand Tower on the Mississippi. Pertinent data: started 1/14/22, finished 4/24/22, walked 17 days, daily distance 7 to 13 miles, total distance 168 miles. Thanks to Kristi for walking with me for 118 miles. Thanks to Joe for logistical support and to Lucy for IT support. My advice to all—in Maude’s words—”Dance like no one’s watching and live like there’s no tomorrow.”HikeSegmented HikeWinter, SpringShawneetown, IL
Charles Turnbull3turnbulls@gmail.com20222022 - April 14-20
HikeThru HikeSpringWilliamsville IL USA
Kristi Weaversaluki9301@gmail.com20222022 - January and April Completed all sections between January and April of 2022.HikeSegmented HikeWinter, SpringCarbondale, IL USA
Tom StachyraToemasii@hotmail.com20222022 - Began: 3/26/22
Completed: 4/4/22
My hike covered 181+ miles. I carried 12 days of food (just incase) with an initial pack weight of 36 lbs.HikeThru HikeSpringMount Vernon, IL
Michelle Samsonmsamson31@yahoo.com20222022HikeThru HikeSpringPleasant Plains, IL
Casey Huffchuff73074@yahoo.com20222019-2022July 2019- March 2022HikeSegmented HikeSpring, Summer, Fall, WinterBuncombe, IL USA
Jackie Powers20222019-2022HikeSegmented HikeSpring, Summer, Fall, WinterPaducah, KY USA
Joe & Allison Kalloquietglow@gmail.com20222022We started in E-town on Sunday Feb, 27 (2022) and finished March, 5th (7 days). If anyone needs current trail conditions, please feel free to reach out. Wonderful hike!HikeThru HikeSpringChicago
Ronda Bennetpeacefulmassagebyronda@gmail.com20212021September 2021HikeThru HikeFallUS
Bill Keaggykeaggy@gmail.com20212021October 16-23, 2021. Self-supported solo thru-hike from the Ohio to the Mississippi. Great weather aside from some rain the last day, although the road walks are tough in the hot sun. Highlights: GotG, Lusk Creek, the old bus, Panther Den Wilderness, Giant City Lodge, and Inspiration Point. Track recorder crashed the last day so the stats were: ~168 miles and ~16,000 feet of elevation gain.HikeThru HikeFallSt. Louis, Missouri USA
Ryan Parkerparke@hmcgears.com20212021HikeThru HikeFallPrinceton, Indiana (Gibson County)
Joe Ulmertentlifepro@gmail.com20212021October 15 8:29am - October 26 2:02am, 2021HikeThru HikeFallChicago, IL
Amanda Fernandesfernandaa1028@gmail.com20212021October 16-26, 2021HikeThru HikeFallKokomo, IN USA
Jason Schneiderjasonschneider99@yahoo.com20212021October 16th-26th 2021. 11 days on the trail, 10 days of hiking and one zero day after day 7.HikeThru HikeFallSterling, IL.
Joel Furrerjoelfurrer@comcast.net20212021September 4-12, 2021HikeThru HikeSummerSaint Joseph, IL, USA
Marcia Skinnermskinner_1@frontier.com20212020 & 2021HikeSegmented HikeSpring / FallCarterville, IL
Jacinda Shieldsjacinda.shields@gmail.com20212021May 2021HikeThru / Section HikeSpringFlanagan, IL USA
Scott Oldhamjoso7@comcast.net20212021SpringHikeThru HikeSpringJoliet
Irene Millerirenem192@hotmail.com20212021May 1st - May 15 2021HikeThru HikeSpringFlat Rock, IL USA
Ethan Beachyethanlynn429@gmail.com20212021HikeThru HikeSpringFlat Rock IL USA
Rebecca Bissetterlbissette@gmail.com20212021April 2021: Completed over 4 back to back weekends/solo 6 days with drop off/pick up by my husband and dog. Started in Elizabethtown and ended at Grand Tower. Met the sweetest man that lives on Tall Tree Lake Rd just past the railroad tracks (map 17)...87 years old and still going strong, said he admired young folks that get out and hike and plans on making it to 100. Lovely trail..get there early by May snakes and ticks are already getting bad. Loved Lusk Creek and Panther Den wilderness. So many beautiful places!!! Watch out for trial closures due to controlled burning and aerial gunning of feral pigs.HikeSegmented HikeSpringBelleville, IL USA
Lindsey Robertslindseyrgroberts@gmail.com20212021Trail Run / HikeThru HikeSpringCarbondale, IL
Daniel Faustdannofaust@gmail.com2021April 10 to April 19, 2021I write a daily blog about my trip on the R2R Trail. You can read about it at the following URL:
https://newglorydays.wordpress.com/2021/05/27/river-to-river-trail/		HikeThru HikeSpringPontiac, IL
Vince Bakervbscouts@gmail.com202120212021 Started April 10 in Elizabethtown and finished April 20 in Grand Tower.HikeThru HikeSpringSt. Peters MO USA
Kevin Gottlieb kgottlieb09@gmail.com20212021My attempt at doing the trail in the Unsupported fastest known time. See my trail story. HikeThru HikeSpringCarbondale, IL
Robb Rothrrobbo171@gmail.com20212021Started Elizabethtown April 2nd, finished in Grand Tower April 9th, 2021HikeThru HikeSpringBluford, IL 62814
Joe Princejoeprincehounddog@gmail.com20212021Started April 2 from Elizabethtown and finished in Grand tower April 9HikeThru HikeSpringOpdyke Illinois USA
Raymond D. BonnellBonnellRD@Gmail.com20212021I began my solo Thru-Hike in Elizabethtown on Sunday, March 14th and finished in Grand Tower on Saturday, March 27th. My wife resupplied me on day 7 at Livesay Spring. I took a day off, rented a cabin and explored Giant City State Park on day 11. Having rained much of the week prior to the start of my trip -- the trail was quite soggy requiring 14 river crossings in my 5-toe water shoes. On the up side, all that rain made for a bountiful crop of mini waterfalls and flowing creeks. Is there anything more peaceful than the sound of a waterfall or flowing creek?HikeThru HikeSpringMaryville, IL
Joe Chifosjchifos@yahoo.com20212021HikeThru HikeSpringSaint Peters, MO USA
Dan Pestkadanpestka2001@yahoo.com20212021I started the trail February 27th, 2021 and took March 3rd and 4th off due to blisters. I went back out on March 5th and finished in Etown on March 9th 2021. It took 9 days total of hiking and 11 overall days.HikeThru HikeSpringCarterville, IL. 62918
Samuel Mooresambo.moore1988.sm@gmail.com2020202010/26/2020 - 11/2/2020HikeThru HikeFallMadisonville, KY USA
Sarah McQuaysarah.mcquay4@gmail.com20202016-2020HikeSegmented HikeSpring, Summer, FallEvansville IN
Carl D Brannanhuntin75@gmail.com20202020I section hiked the R2R starting 8-30-2020 and finished on 11-28-2020. 13 days total
over 3 months.		HikeSegmented HikeFallWest Frankfort, IL Franklin
Jennifer RydzewskiRYDZZZ@SBCGLOBAL.NET20202020HikeThru HikeFallChicago, IL, USA
Jay Quallswhackattacker1@gmail.com20202020I started November 5, 2020, in Grand Tower, and ended on November 14, 2020 in Elizabethtown. I was solo and did not resupply, carrying my entire food supply. I met several westbound thru hikers, a few day hikers, and about a dozen horse riders. Weather was great, a little warm the first two days, and just a couple of light showers. All in all a wonderful trip.HikeThru HikeFallCentralia IL USA
Bill Conardbillconard511@gmail.com20202017-2020I started in 2017 at Elizabethtown with my eldest grandson, and did segmented hikes--a day at a time. The first days I missed the way several times, losing hours and progress. Then a Forest Ranger in Harrisburg recommended the Avenza app and R2R Map Bundle--so I downloaded them and rarely got lost again (there are a few spots where the Avenza map is wrong, and it might take 30 minutes to actually find the trail). Because I was alone most of the time, and did not want to hike out and back to my car, I decided to use my bike. So I would hide my bike in the forest near where I planned to end, then drive the car to where I needed to start--would hike to the bike, and ride the bike on nearby roads back to my car. I did that many times, and progressed faster on the segmented portions. Finished on Nov 28, 2020, at Grand Tower, with my son-in-law, and his daughter. I've done the Superior Hiking Trail in MN--that's an amazing trail of 300+ miles; the R2R has nothing to be ashamed of in comparison to the SHT! Thanks to the many people who keep up the R2R, and work out the legal angles to keep it open.HikeSegmented HikeFallEvansville, IN, USA
Reese Borlinreeseborlin@gmail.com20202020HikeThru HikeFallWashington, IL United States
Jeff Middlemasjefferymouse@gmail.com20202020HikeThru HikeFallBoise, Idaho USA
Caleb Besscalebbess912@gmail.com20202020Hike to prep for the ATHikeThru HikeFallCarbondale, MO
Rusty, Amanda, Paige(18), Tuff(12) and Rowdy(5) Troyerratroyer2006@gmail.com20202020Family ride over 5 days from June 17-22 going east.Equestrian Thru RideThru RideSummerUSA
Ray Williamsrwci2000@gmail.com20202017 & 2020Equestrian Thru RideThru RideSummerFlora, IL
Kristen "Arrow" Dippoldkristen_d24@yahoo.com20202020HikeThru HikeSpringThebes, IL USA
Rick Stonemordridstone@gmail.com20202020Thru-hiked the entire trail during Pandemic, March 16th-April 2nd of 2020, with a week off in the middle. Amazing experience, the first of manyHikeThru HikeSpringBloomington Illinois USA
Ryne Manionrlmanion@me.com20202020Thirteen (13) days to complete.HikeThru HikeSpringSpringfield, Illinois. US
Joshua Letnergodiswitus_87@hotmail.com20202020HikeThru HikeWinterBelleville IL USA
Aric Greenbergaricgreenberg@yahoo.com20202019-2020HikeSegmentedSummerUS
Keith Gehlhausenkegehlhausen@aol.com20202018 - 2020I began hiking small sections of the River to River Trail in 1995, but finally decided to hike the entire trail beginning 12/26/18. Through a series of weekend section hikes over two winters, I reached Grand Tower on 3/8/20.HikeSegmentedWinterEvansville, IN
Clint Stevensdrmclintoc@gmail.com20202019-2020I began on December 7, 2019 and finished on January 4, 2020. I did a mixture of day hikes and backpacking.HikeSegmentedWinterCentralia, IL
Tod Courtneytod_courtney@yahoo.com20192018-2019Did the east third in Oct 2018 (e-town to east trigg) and the west two-thirds in March 2019 (east trigg to grand tower).HikeSegmentedSpring, FallChampaign, IL
Jon Womackdulce55@yahoo.com20192018-2019HikeThru HikeFall, WinterPomona, IL
ilovetattooing1980@hotmail.comilovetattooing1980@hotmail.com20192019HikeSegmentedSpring, SummerCape Girardeau, MO 63701
Matt Bowertheweightstation@hotmail.com20192019A friend and I hiked the first half together, I finished the second half alone. The River to River Trail Bundle was a great help! Started in E-Town on April 1,2019 finished in Grand Tower on April 7,2019HikeThru HikeSpringCharleston IL USA
Joe McCamishjosephjamesmccamish@gmail.com20192018-2019HikeSegmentedSpring, Fall, WinterCarterville
Danielle Rose Hartlinedaniellerosehartline@gmail.com20192018-2019HikeSegmentedSpring, Fall, WinterCarterville, IL Williamson
Chris Benda (Illinois Botanizer)20182018http://illinoisbotanizer.com/HikeSegmentedFall
Craig Davishscraigdavis@yahoo.com20182018HikeThru HikeSpringLincoln Illinois Logan county
Don Walltentlifepro@gmail.com20182018Don Wall passed away on October 22, 2019 while on a through hike in 2019. He was just a few miles from finishing. HikeThru HikeSpringTexico, IL
Bob Ellis IV20182018Bob hikes with his dad and was 14 years old.HikeThru HikeSpringAlbion, IL USA
Bob Ellis IIIfrabob96@yahoo.com20182018Hiked with his son.HikeThru HikeSpringAlbion, IL USA
Eric Johnsonlj1014@shawneelink.net20092008-2009HikeSegmentedFall, Winter, SpringIllinois
William J Gilmourwilliam.gilmour@frontier.com20152014-2015I did it in 2014-2015 in a series of 14 day hikesHikeSegmentedFall, Winter, SpringIllinois, Massac
Les Vaughnrocketcaver@yahoo.com20152014-2015/2018Hiked in segments with a great group! Also hiked it again more recently, but have 3 sections to go to complete.HikeSegmentedFall, Winter, SpringIllinois
Steve Lundstrom20172017I completed the R2R in 2017 but happened to be back down in Karbers Ridge this last weekend (6/11/23) and got a chance to see the trail and blaze markers again. I also hope to do another through hike within 2 years. It was such a wonderfull experience and I look forward to doing it again!HikeThru HikeWood River, IL
Trevor Bollmannbollmannt@gmail.com20172017HikeThru HikeSpringCovington, LA, USA
Jeffery Gosnelltnsadventure@gmail.com20152013 & 20152013: Etown-Goddard Xing
2015: Goddard Xing-Grand Tower
HikeSegmentedSpringCarlinville, IL USA
Bill Joe AverittBilljoeaveritt@gmail.com20152013 & 20155 days - 2013 first half
5 days - 2015 second half
HikeSegmentedSpringBurnet, TX USA
Richard Rudyrichard.rudy@countryfinancial.com20052004 2005HikeThru HikeFall
Dave WilliamsUSAF1stSgt@att.net20162016My thru-hike from 10-22 Oct 2016. I began in Elizabethtown and ended at Devil's Backbone.HikeThru HikeFall
Scott G Grahamedselboy60@hotmail.com20172017HikeThru HikeSpringMount Vernon, IL
Scott G Grahamedselboy60@hotmail.com20182018HikeThru HikeSpringMount Vernon, IL
John and Sara Lancasteremptyenergy1@gmail.com20142014HikeThru HikeSpringFish Creek, Wisconsin, USA
Tyler Brandontbpottery@gmail.com20092009HikeThru HikeSpringPeoria IL
Robert Lippertroblippert1@yahoo.com200520053rd week of July 2005Equestrian Thru RideThru RideSummerClinton, IL
Tim Worthyak@iname.com20022002HikeThru HikeSpringGrants, NM