Hunters Home overhang is about 60 feet long at the base of a 100 foot limestone bluff. It arises near Prairie Creek and is it well hidden among rolling hills and steep wooded ravines. It is a delight to walk around the corner of a cropped field and have it come in view.
It is speculated by archaeologists that 5 or 6 people who were hunter-gatherers in warm weather huddled here between the wall and a fire for warmth during winter. They likely built a lean-to for additional protection. The last archaeological dig found artifacts up to 4000 years old. There is still fire reddened rock on the wall, evidence of these fires long ago. Please leave the area untouched. The site has been excavated twice by professional archaeologist. The 1993 dig found delicately decorated pottery shards, arrow heads, bones of deer and elk, and remnants of turtles. fish, and interestingly freshwater clams.
M&Jbike expect to be joined by a Jackson County naturalist to give more insight into the history of the rock shelter.
We will have the hike completed in plenty of time to have lunch (group or not) and be at the Hurstville Interpretive center by 1:00 for ptcline's GIFF.
Note will be posted by 8:00 am if we need to cancel because of weather.