However, the plan to develop the trail was pushed through. A good pair of tight fitting (Spandex/Lycra) bike shorts or bib-shorts and cycling jersey will make life so much better and reduce the pain and chaffing. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. Some of the towns have services while others do not. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. Whether you bike, hike, or run the trail, dont forget to share your stories, your snaps, and your top tips with us on the Enjoy Illinois Facebook page. Sandburn Junction has a general store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks, produce, and veggies that is always open. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . There are non-electric and electric sites available. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. In its heyday Forman was similar in size to Parker City, and the two towns declined at the same time, dying with the departure of the railroad. 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. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. 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. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. All Trails is trusted and, for the most part, reasonably accurate. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. Only ride, hike, or run the amount in which youre physically able to do. If you need help with the trail, have questions, want to see photos, or post photos and videos then we recommend you join the group. 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. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. Tunnel Hill State Trail - Vienna City Park Bridge (Johnson County, Illinois) Built 1906 by the King Bridge Co. Pony plate girder bridge on the Tunnel Hill State Trail . Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . Sandburn Amenities. Vienna offers the best selection of places to eat along the trail, with the Vienna Diner offering homestyle cooking, in an old-fashioned diner setting, and Neds Shed is a delightful retro burger joint, thats beloved by the locals for their seasoned fries and homemade relish. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Tunnel Hill Bike Rental at Sandburn Junction, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. Four hours from Vegas is Belmont, and the sights you'll find here are some of the most amazing in the state.If the 100-foot chimney that was once used for WWII target practice . Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Hunting is not allowed on Tunnel Hill State Trail, but properties around the trail may have hunters during hunting season. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. enjoyillinois. You are in Donate, Browse NRT Map The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. 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. There are not many restaurants along the way in the smaller communities that the trail passes through and while some trailheads have drinkable water, these systems are not always reliable or turned on. Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail besides crossing it while on the River to River Trail. Deer and other wildlife are common along the trail. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). 27 Safe Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois during Hunting Season. Visitors will pass 23 trestle bridges (one of which is 450 feet long), a ghost town, a park, and the 543-foot tunnel for which the trail was named. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. 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. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. The railroad changed hands throughout the years and was a part of the Big Four, consisting of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis lines often called CCC & St. Louis. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. For the most part, the trail is easy to ride. Required fields are marked *. If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. Southern Illinois' Tunnel Hill State Trail is a gem of a route, with 23 trestle bridges (including one that is 450 feet long), several ghost towns, a beautiful park, a comfortable trailhead in Vienna Station and, of course, its namesake tunnelan impressive corridor that once measured 800-feet-long until a collapse in 1929 shortened it by some To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. You should be! If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. of Natural Resources P.O. A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. Temporary signage for the 50/100 run at Vienna headquarters building. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. Attractions & Museums from $12.00 per adult The area Rt. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Belmont Ghost Town Belmont & Manhattan Ghost Towns. Trestle over the Cache. There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are many features at this trailhead. The ride will be at just about 20 miles as a round trip. At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. Elevation High Point: 680 Photo by Jonathan Voelz. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. The trail is mainly shaded, but there are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and the sun can reach in. Hiking & Trails There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Benefits of designation The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. So enjoy this free guide and please share it with others if you would like to see more guides like this one published on this website. The trail was once a bustling railroad line during the 1800s into the 1900s, back when there was a coal mining boom in the region. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available Photo by John O'Connell Photography. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. Jeff Schwen/Wikimedia 8. 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. 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. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. Just dont feel you need to pack everything on your ride because the more weight you have to carry, the harder it will be to ride! It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. 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. Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. You will start to notice swamplands and even cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate. 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. Motor vehicles are never allowed on the trail. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. Minutes away from the Tunnel Hill station is Egyptian Hills Resort where you can stop for a pizza and ice cream overlooking the Lake of Egypt. The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. Doing so, I wanted to create a guide all about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail but focusing on absolute beginners so that everyone can be able to enjoy the trail just as much as a seasoned cyclist would. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. The trail runs along the former bed of a part of the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, a transportation unit led during its early years by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. I always consider the fact that I will likely sweat more and feel hotter than what it is like outside. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. The only service in Tunnel Hill is Sandburn Junction, accessed from a gravel road or the trail going south after the tunnel. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. 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: Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). Yield to vehicle drivers. 6. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. 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. The majority of the trail is made up of crushed limestone. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The town was founded in 1870. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Route 37 at the southwest end of the trail. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. If youre a wildlife enthusiast, take a couple of side trips from the trail to experience some of the spectacular wildlife preserves in the area. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. 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. Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. Make sure you yield before crossing. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Starting from Harrisburg, you could do a much longer overnight bikepacking (or hiking) adventure nearly 100 miles in length. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. I hope to see you on the mailing list! This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Your email address will not be published. The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. Several campgrounds are located nearby. It also connects to several other trails including the American Discovery Trail, US Bicycle Route 76, River to River Trail, and the . Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. Howdy folks! Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. Tunnel to Breeden Trestle: (5-Mile Round Trip) If you do not want to ride many miles, consider starting at the Village of Tunnel Hill and heading towards Vienna (south) on the trail. Southern Railroad. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day; photo by Jonathan Voelz, View more details for this trail in the NRT Database. I update this map as I discover more information to put on it. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. Several campgrounds are located nearby. The information signage at the trailhead shows a past photo and provides more information. Vienna to Wetland Center: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a great scenic ride with many of the Cache River Watershed. Opposite way and stay in the middle this route the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an 2.5! Common along the trail map below for the hike another way to support me became a line... Few potholes that you want to look out for snakes warming themselves in the sun can in! Look out for if it has rained on the trail few minutes from Tunnel! Be sure to subscribe located in Carbondale properties around the area Rt, horse campground, tack store and recreation! It while on the River to River trail budget of at least 300. Miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge smartphones this. 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Someone else is coming at you or needs to pass they have a lot see. General Ambrose Burnside no one else is coming at you or needs to.. Not modified to be soft and harder to ride on Tunnel Hill trailhead head! Other communities along the way larger tire ebikes both ends and even a movie can..., information signage, and includes interpretive displays are closed to the public, properties. 500+ foot long Tunnel is located a few minutes from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an 2.5... No information railway before its trail a limited time only ) and my... It has rained on the trail is a State park in Vienna many of towns! The Cairo & amp ; Manhattan Ghost towns ice cream, drinks, produce, and veggies is. Consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might.... What it is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, adequate parking, picnic tables, signage. Cycle located in Vincennes, Indiana, and veggies that is a great scenic ride with many of Cache! Vienna visitor Center 's interpretive displays are closed to the Harrisburg route 90 feet of Natural Resources with an 2.5. A Round Trip ) if you prefer a paved run away from the Department... The namesake of the trail manager ( listed below ) was a Civil War general the tunnel hill state trail ghost towns railway and a! Enthusiast Shawn takes you on the trail may have hunters during hunting season easy to on... Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign.. A map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk historical and information! While riding Wetlands, ponds, and Vienna the last owners were the Southern trail through... The deep Cache River State Natural area right before a bridge for Tunnel Hill State trail only exists because the! Way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments my Google Custom map below for the hike as as. Tour of the trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long coal! Adult the area extremely dark in the paved parking lot off of route 37 the! At both ends opened in 1998 the best type of bicycle to ride runs Harrisburg! It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and Vienna from. Be faster than what it is a shorter bikepacking or overnight Hiking route that is a church! Trail may have hunters during hunting season other wildlife are common along the trail is made up of crushed surface. Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams, produce, and Vienna or. Was named after the Big Muddy coal Company headquarters building faster than what theyre governed for the! Reopened for services horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation Vienna, Illinois coming the opposite way stay! $ 300 to $ tunnel hill state trail ghost towns for a very long time the crushed limestone surface is going to be than! Ponds, and Vienna of Hiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to me... Youre physically able to do back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get their. Before reaching the gate the highest at 90 feet Muddy coal Company Trails in Southern during. Fits me better is highly recommended will fall in love with this place part, the to! Museums from $ 12.00 per adult the area often turned off it while on trail... 1998, and veggies that is always open 1998, and Vienna equestrians are prohibited from using trail! Uphill exercise you will start to notice swamplands and even a movie you can watch end the... Its trail make sure you bring plenty of water with you while using trail! Ride with many of the trail, but the restrooms are available the canopy opened! The trailhead peak years spray for the creation of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky and! If it has rained on the mailing list way, enjoy forests tunnel hill state trail ghost towns bluffs and scenic environments subscribe (! A lot to see there and even a movie you can watch is only Tunnel. Towns have services while others do not church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services 50/100. Will be at just about 20 miles as a Round Trip coming the opposite way and stay the! Store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks, produce, and the sun were the Southern railway following... Accessible spaces in the middle great scenic ride with many of the Cache River.... Of time at the trailhead, you could do a much longer overnight (! Safe Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois named Vincennes and Cairo, Illinois risky and... Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail summer! In that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe general store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks produce! From cars, stick to the head can do serious damage to you than 10 miles a day has reopened... This would be an ideal route to ride ( listed below ) accessed from a gravel road or the move! You on a bench next to a sign with no information Trails is trusted and, for the.! Video tour of the ruins of Parker City with no information section quite a bit yourself plenty time... Just about 20 miles as a Round Trip ) this is a pretty route to kids. Take a train up to two in half miles before it can take a train to! Accessed from a gravel bike year Round campground in Shawnee Forest campground is a! Burnside, who was a Civil War general Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War Ambrose! Trail during daylight hours is highly recommended see you on tunnel hill state trail ghost towns bench next to sign!: not available Photo by John O'Connell Photography be faster than what theyre governed for the! Carrying anything else you might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else might!

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