As construction of this crushed-gravel trail proceeds, new segments will open. As you travel through this river valley, look for changes in the landscape. In northern Lake County, the valley is wide and the river meanders. Open areas such as prairies and savannas are common. In southern Lake County, the valley is narrow and the river runs a straighter course.
Woodlands are more common.
The river and its seasonal rising and falling help to determine which plants and animals live here. Beavers, herons and turtles are a few of the resident animals adapted to river life. Oaks, hickories and maples are some of the common trees. The undeveloped land of this river valley provides a great deal of flood protection to Lake County. It also provides a natural corridor for wildlife, including migrating birds.