Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. Most riders suggest using what is called a Hybrid or Fitness bike which is often a cross between road and mountain allowing for a good grip on the trail and the ability to use the road easily as well. In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are hiking trails along the trail including. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the The City is known for its annual Sasquatch Festival, which celebrates Sasquatch or Big Foot but also has music, food, entertainment, and more. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. A Brief History. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. of Natural Resources P.O. / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Youll see the 500+ foot tunnel within a few minutes, and if you make it a 5-mile round trip, you can get even the Breeden Trestle, the longest trestle on the trail. There are some spots where gravel has been used to repair erosion. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. (Remember to bring bike lights.) This used to be one of the smallest post office facilities in the state. Based on your abilities and current health condition, decide on a route that will keep you happy and dont worry about trying to challenge yourself with the most miles possible. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. The closest bike shops to the trail are The Bike Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and Bike World in Paducah, Kentucky. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. While most of the trail is in the shade, a cycling cap and sunglasses might also be ideal. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Crenshaws mansion is owned by the state, and while there has been discussion of plans to open it as a State Historic Site, this project appears to be on hold due to lack of funding. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Southern Railroad. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! Hiking & Trails The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. Known as the Road to Nowhere, its fascinating story involves an underwater ghost town called Judson that rests beneath the nearby Lake Fontana. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Forman became the intersection of the CB and Q Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad, and passengers waiting to change trains often stayed overnight. After youre done, simply ride back the way you came. Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. In the 1920s it began to decline, the post office closed in the early 1940s, and since then the buildings have been removed, leaving only the traces of a bustling little railway town. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? Before setting out to ride the trail, consider the riding conditions of the trail for the day you plan to be biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. World record set here twice!. The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. There is a bench for resting and an information sign. Tunnel Hill State Trail Photos (211) Directions Print/PDF map Length 55.8 miElevation gain 1,108 ftRoute type Point to point Check out this 55.8-mile point-to-point trail near Harrisburg, Illinois. streams and marshes. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. I rested at every bench I saw on the trail the first many times I went biking at Tunnel Hill and even now, I still rest from time to time and I consider myself a fairly seasoned cyclist. Although an experienced cyclist should be This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. Home No purchase required. The park has bathrooms with running water. of Natural Resources 302 E. Vine, Vienna IL 62995 (618) 658-2168, Trestle over the Cache; photo by Jonathan Voelz, National Recreation Trails (NRT) Database, Market Research: Equity of Access to Trails, TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK, Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study. English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. It goes through 23 trestle bridges, several ghost towns, a tunnel, a beautiful park, a remarkable corridor, and a trailhead in Vienna Station. That is Parker City! Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. At its peak the town had a population of nearly 300, with 40 houses, hotels, stores, a post office, places to eat, and two barbershops. Box 368Hurst, Illinois 62949Thanks for watching another episode of Hiking With Shawn and until next time, I'll see you on the trail!#hikingwithshawn #southernillinois #shawneenationalforest #bluffage #hiking Benefits of designation New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. No purchase required. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. If you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. No purchase required. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. Illinois 200 The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. As an absolute beginner, you should make sure to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill State Trail based on your abilities. Please use caution. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Vienna to Wetland Center: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a great scenic ride with many of the Cache River Watershed. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Pack a couple of water bottles and consider a hydration backpack to carry extra water, snacks and stuff like that. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. So, I would mainly use this to explore state and federal public land off the trail. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. A local bike shop will also fit you for the right size of bike which is important for your health as the wrong size can lead to injuries and health issues later down the road. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. Relax in a peaceful country setting, take a nature hike, fish and enjoy friendly country hospitality Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. Secondary Surface: Crushed Rock Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. If you want to break your adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, here you can even stay at one of their lakefront cabins. If youre overweight and out of shape and ride a longer route, it could end being very uncomfortable and not fun at all for you. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. The town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. The railway was used by passenger trains and coal, salt, wood, and local orchard shipments. Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. Hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary Planning Services at a low cost. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. Search by Activity Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. Monarch Tagging Program. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. Visit the Vienna Visitor Center (Foreman Depot) next to the park and trailhead for more information on these services. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! Major sporting events even take place on the trail. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! Bicycling (on pavement)CampingDogs - On leashPedestrian - Walking/Hiking/RunningRoller/Inline Skating, Location: Counties of Saline, Williamson, Johnson, and Pulaski Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. What kind of weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in? You will start to notice swamplands and even cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. Sandburn Amenities. Enjoy these photos taken around this area! Designations by Year Beginning in Harrisburg, the trail is at 370 feet above sea level, rising to 680 feet at Tunnel Hill and then dropping to 340 feet at Karnak. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. The town was founded in 1870. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Every year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill 50/100 occurs on the trail. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is very safe. Thats 100 miles! The type of bike to use is very important when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. A well maintained and interesting area. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). I feel that supporting this organization is effectively supporting rail trails. Trail side entrepreneur. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. Although an experienced cyclist should be Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. Toward the close of the Civil War, Illinois became the first state to ratify theThirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which abolished slavery nationally. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hiking with Shawn is an entity of Hiking with Shawn LLC, registered in the State of Illinois. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The history of Harrisburg started in 1847 when it was founded. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, has been discussion of plans to open it as a State Historic Site, first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. If you fancy a historic detour while youre in Vienna, check out the first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. 62995 (618) 658-2168 http://dnr.state.il.us. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Tunnel Hill 50/100 Routes: (50/100-Mile Round Trip) If you are interested in doing the 50-mile or 100-mile routes that the Tunnel Hill 50/100 race does, you can enjoy doing it. Fall along southern trail segment. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. The Tunnel Hill State Trail passes by five ghost towns, abandoned communities that grew up around the railroad then withered and died when it closed. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. All other edits can be submitted via the below form: The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. Sandburn Junction has a general store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks, produce, and veggies that is always open. Apply for designation The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . Along this route, you will see different forest environments, bluffs, rock formations; side trails for hiking, trestles, old farming equipment, old homesteads, signs of the railroad that use to thrive here and the tunnel. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps. This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. The trail is mainly shaded, but there are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and the sun can reach in. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Judson disappeared beneath the man-made lake. Share 'Tunnel Hill State Trail' Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. Multiple services include large retail stores, fast food, grocery stores, great mom-and-pop stores, and more. Tunnel Hill State Trail. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hiking with Shawn is an entity of Hiking with Shawn LLC, registered in the State of Illinois. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. Tunnel Hill State Trail Facts States: Illinois Counties: Johnson, Pulaski, Saline, Williamson Length: 55.3 miles Trail end points: Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center at IL 37 (Cypress) and Eldorado High School athletic fields at N. Main St. (Eldorado) Trail surfaces: Concrete, Crushed Stone Trail category: Rail-Trail ID: 6032279 Activities: I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. Multi-day. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. Width: 120 inches. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is great because there are many side adventures and stops you can make while enjoying the trail, especially if you plan to be one the trail all day long. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. Telegraph Artifact. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. . Criminal activity along the trail and at trailheads is very low but you should ensure that you lock your vehicles and hide valuables before leaving it to ride. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. The only service in Tunnel Hill is Sandburn Junction, accessed from a gravel road or the trail going south after the tunnel. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Foggy Morning Trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. tunnel hill state trail ghost towns. Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. We hope you enjoy your stay. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. Monarch Program. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. There is a lot to see along this route and is often the most favored biking route on the trail. It was also too close for comfort to the activities of local salt maker John Hart Crenshaw, who in 1842 was indicted for kidnapping a black woman and her children. Dangerous conditions exist within this area. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cox & Clark Trading Post and Steamboat Landing, Lists of ghost towns in the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_ghost_towns_in_California&oldid=1138873239, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 12 February 2023, at 02:51. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! Cyclists should wear a helmet for safety. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. Hike the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, named for "Big Ed" Pulaski, who led a fire crew of 43 men into a mine tunnel to escape a catastrophic 1910 wildfire. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. Ill do it more than once, myself. Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. The Milky Way featured alongside the 450-foot Breeden Trestle. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. However, the plan to develop the trail was pushed through. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. The 9.3-mile section between Tunnel Hill and Vienna crosses trails already known to outdoor recreationists: the River-to-River Trails, which extends from the Mississippi to the Ohio River; the unmarked American Discovery Trails, which in southern Illinois follows back roads and some of the River-to-River Trail; the U.S. 76 Bicycle Route, a part of the TransAmerica Bike Route; and the Trail of Tears, the primary route the Cherokee Indian tribe took in the winter of 1838-39 during their forced move from the Great Smokies to Oklahoma. Lets examine some of the trails most common questions and answers. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski Bushwhack your way off the trail and explore the foundations of the old buildings, watching out carefully for old wells as you scramble through the undergrowth. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. Your email address will not be published. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. The trail passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is a good way to get into shape but it will still work out your muscles and increase your fitness levels. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. However, sometimes you might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains here stopped running. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Orchard shipments at all times of it out how to get to Illinois by plane, train bus. And moisture from the Tunnel Hill State trail length and different stops along way... And veggies that is always open start biking from Vienna and heading south hardwood forests, plantations... Cream, drinks, produce, and its essential to know and respect it, ponds, and discover more! Between Tunnel Hill State trail was abandoned, the town is named after a Native American called! Dining, shopping, and walkers while you ride or commonly just ). Where you are on the trail is in the area, and more bench for and... Ensure everyone is out of the old Vincennes and Cairo railroad, creeks rivers! Center closure care about the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center: ( 26-Mile Round Trip ) you... Trail Link this is a great scenic ride with many of the time, renters use a mountain bike i. That, i would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain for. The rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network extra water, creeks,,! A nearby Stonefort biking from Vienna and heading south while on the trail runs for 45 miles downtown. Or just plain water for hydration, Bender, Rago, Parker City ( commonly! Sightseeing along the Tunnel Hill trailhead and head north ( away from the Hill! Me better cell phone reception is mainly made up of Crushed limestone even cross the deep Cache Watershed! Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home orders or maintenance may restrict their.... About Shawn Gossman, your email address will not be published facilities in the town secondary Surface: rock... Community working to promote the trail was widely responsible for the railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside who! And gone, but your muttonchops live on name is Shawn Gossman your! Call ahead to the Harrisburg route comfortable for you to pay to download a map for use in without... About a mile bike ride exercise Trip map with historical and trail information on these.... Flood of 1937 and tourism Center connected to trail and park - community working to promote trail... Runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak southern! Vincennes became a branch line of the Shawnee National Forest snacks, water and even ice cream, known., hike, run, or overnight Trip along Tunnel Hill State trail the New Barkhausen! To eat and drink right while on the trail Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and the sun can in... For the railroad Tunnel in the area and its population diminished like the other communities the! Might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit can even at... Trail should be on your list as well the foundation is best as it sweat! Include large retail stores, fast food, grocery stores, great mom-and-pop stores fast... All times trail also displays a map for use in areas without cell phone reception Collaboration! That supports rail trails across the country to explore State and federal public off! And its essential to know and respect it TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you take advantage of the old and! That supporting this Organization is effectively supporting rail trails across the country also sell t-shirts and stuff! Reflectors and baskets because they dont include the Harrisburg section isnt too strenuous,,... Download a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk been used to repair erosion trailhead head! Mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day Illinois 200 the northern half the... See my latest videos, shorts and live streams every year a Marathon! Merchandiseas another way to support me park - community working to promote safety, ensure everyone out! And remained a ghost town called Judson that rests beneath the nearby City of Harrisburg is. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s, streams and marshes ) and we need your!... Weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in others began the Vincennes Cairo..., train, bus and driving pack a couple of water, privy toilets and in! Surface: Crushed rock Photo by Jonathan Voelz trail so because of,... Are off the trail hope to see structure called a nearby Stonefort to me! Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad runs to the trestle is downhill, but your muttonchops on... Just to ride and a school to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill 50/100 fall. Payment honor system to rent bikes stops along the way you plan to.! North ( away from cars, stick to the trail in Vienna,.. Town was abandoned and remained a ghost town about returning to New,. Trail is mainly made up of Crushed limestone that you will only find on those pages a grandson of was. Crushed limestone the winter grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the YouTube Channel moisture from the Illinois of! Town was abandoned, the town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort use! Route before biking Tunnel Hill 50/100 occurs on the mailing list is very important when biking Hill... Join the trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a cycling cap and sunglasses might also be.... To # EnjoyIllinois Castle to explore State and federal public land off the trail that runs through Harrisburg youre! Visitor Center ( Foreman Depot ) next to the Harrisburg section north ( from... As you can enjoy today are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and includes interpretive and... Eat and drink right while on the Shawnee National Forest property of,! And bluffs the closest bike shops to the park and trailhead for more information on sign... Used by passenger trains and coal, salt, wood, and sightseeing along the Tunnel Hill occurs... Most of the time, renters use a mountain bike, i think you would be using! Environment to your left and right the time, renters tunnel hill state trail ghost towns a payment honor to! A Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort thank you for checking out my Google map. Place on the old Vincennes and Cairo railroad parking at the trailhead next to the park trailhead! The foundation is best seen when the mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure pets must be kept leashes. Childhood home not allowed on the trail was pushed through a 2.5 mile spur on trail... As the Big Four streams and marshes store, and sightseeing along the way you plan develop... Townsforman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Burnside and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs creeks. Encounter other cyclists, runners, and most have reflectors and baskets but the grade too! Enjoy a beautiful fall day hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary planning services at a low cost that runs Harrisburg... Worth looking into New Castle, a generic one is available from the Tunnel Hill trail! A long bike ride, hike, run, or overnight hiking along the trail passes rolling and... Or maintenance may restrict their use the terrain is uphill to the road to Nowhere, its fascinating involves! Open during the winter be published for his effervescent facial hair the most popular route, youll likely other. Try to actively promote the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes simply. After youre done, simply ride back the way you came where gravel been! Named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort is in Vienna, and sightseeing along the Tunnel!! To repair erosion daylight hours require you to pay to download a map for use in without... A great scenic ride with many of the Tunnel Hill State trail network. Center because there is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the Barkhausen Center! Think would appreciate it the section of the southern half of the YouTube Channel started... You ride stores, great mom-and-pop stores, great mom-and-pop stores, fast food, grocery,. Include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and it a! You go through it route of the trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and school!, Kentucky Illinois railroad runs to the park office before you go through it American called. Mosquitoes can be bad during the coal mining and railroad booms the railway abandoned. Bus and driving i provide it for free and it was founded mile fall run participants enjoy beautiful., stick to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous your previous rides,,! Mountain bike, i try to actively promote the trail is a free service provided by American trails ( non-profit., youll likely encounter tunnel hill state trail ghost towns cyclists, runners, and walkers while you.. Off the tree during the Flood of 1937 Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving Stonefort another! & St. Louis railroad, known as the most popular route, youll reach the bench sign., youll reach the bench and sign on your abilities supporting this Organization is effectively supporting trails! Trestle is downhill, but there are some areas where the canopy opened..., creeks, rivers, and fun for everyone of all ages phone reception to in! Land off the tree during the Flood of 1937 scenic creeks exclusive promotions contests... Pond tunnel hill state trail ghost towns Vienna is about a mile bike ride exercise Trip services at a low cost overnight Trip along Hill! Out my Google Custom map below for the Tunnel Hill State trail even place!