Echo Bluff has a new Web site, more activities

SPRING VALLEY — Hall Township’s Echo Bluff Nature and Recreation Park has added to the many activities to enjoy at the site located off Route 29 between Spring Valley and DePue.

A new Web site, www.echobluff.org, gives the public a chance to see pictures of the site and the many activities available at Echo Bluff. Visitors to the Web site can also request information.

“It is something I have been working on for over a year,” said Hall Township Park Administrator Candyce Wolsfeld. “We are excited to have it up and running.”

Letterboxing is one of the newest activities at Echo Bluff. Letterboxing combines navigational skills and rubber stamp artistry in a “treasure hunt” style outdoor quest. A wide variety of adventures can be found to suit all ages and experience levels. Since April, more than 12 groups have enjoyed a day at Echo Bluff while searching for their hidden treasure. A geocaching container can also be found on site.

Disc golf (Frisbee golf) is a game in which players throw a disc into a basket or at a target. Disc golf is enjoyable and is physically accessible for all ages and athletic abilities. Hall Township has installed a nine hole course at Echo Bluff Nature and Recreation Area. There is a nominal fee to play.

“We are happy that Hall Township can continue to offer family recreation through new activities at Echo Bluff,” said Hall Township Supervisor Marty Fiocchi. “Echo Bluff is a beautiful area to visit if only to picnic and walk the trails.”

The ever-popular Echo Bluff Paintball is going strong at the park. Paintballers from all over the state of Illinois are playing on the field, and there are plans to expand the field this fall. The paintball pro-shop offers rental guns, CO and compressed air, paintballs and more. The course is available for birthday parties, private paintball, corporate events and more.

Many Illinois Valley schools and churches have booked the high ropes/zipline courses at Echo Bluff. The course is designed to promote trust and leadership among the people participating. Ziplines are offered to people age 5 and up and is a fast-invigorating ride down a line attached to the ropes course. The zipline begins 30 feet in the air and ends up at ground level. The ropes and zipline must be reserved since trained, certified staff must be present.