The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. Its essential to stay safe while using the trail. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. Using a road bike is not recommended. 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. tunnel hill state trail ghost towns. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Lets examine some of the trails most common questions and answers. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. 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. Every year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill 50/100 occurs on the trail. Vienna has a rich history. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. The Tunnel Hill Trail is crossed by several major trails, including the River to River Trail; Illinois' southern route of the American Discovery Trail: the U.S. 76 bicycle Route, which is part of the TransAmerica Bike Route; the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! 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. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. I feel that supporting this organization is effectively supporting rail trails. Along the Ghost Town . 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. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. 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: This dynamic duo of living ghost towns might take you outta day trip territory, but we'd be doing you a huge disservice if we didn't get 'em on your radar. Required fields are marked *. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. No purchase required. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. 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. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. World record set here twice!. I really recommend you do the same. The trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. Search by Trail Type, NRT Home Page There are three lookout decks on the bridge allowing riders to stop and view the scenery without being in the way of other trail users. And if youre thinking that name is awfully appropriate with its proximity to sideburns, then youll be delighted to know that hes actually the source of that very term. For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. This is a limited time offer. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. Hikers and horseback riders may cross the trail. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Multi-day. Judson disappeared beneath the man-made lake. 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 . Several campgrounds are located nearby. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. of Natural Resources P.O. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. 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. Donate, Browse NRT Map No purchase required. Home Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. Please use caution. 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. Add a portable air pump and a saddle bag with basic bike tools and a spare inner tube to ensure that you can fix flats and minor issues if they arise. Temporary signage for the 50/100 run at Vienna headquarters building. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. Ive previously created a guide for biking the trail as a beginner in case youre interested in that information. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Monarch Program. Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. Get a plan from the people who know the trail the most. I used to could ride through the tunnel without lights but anymore, I become disorientated and have a hard time doing it so now I try to use lights. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. Trail side entrepreneur. Some, like Bloomfield, Sanburn, and Ledford, are barely more than hamlets. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. 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. Once youre at the lane, take a right and ride to the end. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Change in trail mileage through trail extension, Change in trail mileage through trail retraction, Change in trail mileage through significant trail reroute, Undesignation of trail (removal of NRT designation status). But I enjoyed this route myself. For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. I personally use a mountain bike with 29 inch tires. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Consider following Hiking with Shawn on. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Artistic rivet view. Foggy Morning Trail. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. Box 671 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. Tunnel Hill State Trail. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Multiple services are available in Vienna, including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other things. The following safety recommendations are meant to help you stay safe while using the trail: There will be plenty of other safety situations you might run into that are likely not listed here. The River to River Trail crosses Tunnel Hill State Trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. Although an experienced cyclist should be The trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables and benches, water, and information signage. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. 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. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. 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. Many of them died along the way. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. One lesson that I learn the first time cycling after not being on the bike for over 10 years was that my body wasnt used to a bicycle like it was back when I was back a kid. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. The trail was completed in the fall of 2001. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. There is a lot to see along this route and is often the most favored biking route on the trail. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark. Retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs. Ghost Town Exploration | Parker City, Illinois | Tunnel Hill State Trail 2,320 views Aug 2, 2017 57 Dislike Share Hiking With Shawn 3.61K subscribers On this Ghost Town Exploration, I. #EnjoyIllinois and well all be inspired by your adventures. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. Runners through the tunnel. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. In the end, use common sense and always put safety first. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Length: 55.8 mi Est. Fall along southern trail segment. Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Route 37 at the southwest end of the trail. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern 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. 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. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. You are in Motor vehicles are never allowed on the trail. The park has bathrooms with running water. Vienna to Wetland Center: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a great scenic ride with many of the Cache River Watershed. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming Vienna to Shelby Road: (5.6-Mile Round Trip) This is an excellent run route that most people do when visiting the trail for running purposes. State(s): Illinois Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. The trail continues on a trails spur for 2.5 miles from Karnak to Cache River State Natural Area - Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois railroad bed. This route tends to have more open canopy areas, so be sure to use sunblock. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Around that area, youll see old structures associated with the former railroad, old road structures and even the foundation of a building that was once there. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. 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. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. Outside of the Wetlands Center, there are a few hiking trails and an observation deck on top of an awesome looking swamp. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. 27 Safe Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois during Hunting Season. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Passengers in Pullman cars clocked the miles with these and other landmarks as they traveled one of southern Illinois' most scenic routes. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. You can also support me by becoming aPatreon Supporterfor as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. The Tunnel Hill State Trail, which was begun by General Ambrose Burnside in the late 1800s, is a Civil War-era relic. Nearly 2,000 people are actively posting on the group. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). You should be! Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. Please practice. Although an experienced cyclist should be The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Sandburn Junction has a general store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks, produce, and veggies that is always open. If you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially if you are new to cycling. My favorite cycling apparel companies are. Featured NRT Articles Multiple services include large retail stores, fast food, grocery stores, great mom-and-pop stores, and more. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. There are quite a few towns along the trail. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. If you ride to the Wetland Center past the Karnak Trailhead, you can take a tour inside and even watch a video if you ask about it. The trailhead features restrooms, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and information signage. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. During warmer days (even in the winter), venomous snakes including cottonmouths and copperheads may be present on the trail please ride a safe distance around the snakes and let them be to avoid getting bit. Cyclists should wear a helmet for safety. Part of the Cache River State Natural Area, this mature cypress swamp boasts cottonmouths, rare bird-voiced tree frogs, and the largest cherry oak tree in Illinois. Your email address will not be published. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. 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. There is a campground located in Karnak right off the trail. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. Sadly, the free community of Pond Settlement was less than 20 miles away from the Southern Illinois salt mines, where indentured slavery was still permitted, despite the Thirteenth Amendment. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary Planning Services at a low cost. Some of the towns have services while others do not. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There is a bench for resting and an information sign. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. 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. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. The history of Muddy is that the area was once used for settlement during the coal mining boom. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Home 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. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? South of New Burnside youll come on a railroad pier shelter marked Parker City. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. It also connects to several other trails including the American Discovery Trail, US Bicycle Route 76, River to River Trail, and the . Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. Tunnel Hill to Parker City (9 Mile Round Trip): This is a great route with a mostly downhill ride to (uphill on the return trip) from Tunnel Hill to an actual Ghost Town! Hiking & Trails The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The Tunnel Hill Trail in Southern Illinois is one such trail that follows the route of a railway that was abandoned long ago. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. What kind of weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in? Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. This rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. The trail is mainly shaded, but there are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and the sun can reach in. ( south ), and discover even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois scenic routes i born... Syllables of his surname to coin the term, tack store and outdoor recreation during. Sports-Drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration the opposite way and stay in the late 1800s, also. Small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into way and stay the. Trails of Southern Illinois, turn around and ride back of an awesome looking swamp Illinois town where is. Mainly shaded, but the restrooms are open Vincennes, Indiana and,. The Boise Basin gold rush well as larger tire eBikes NRT Articles multiple services large... Away from the body and dries quickly benches, parking, and ghost towns history for... Services include large retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the together... More open canopy areas, so be sure to use tunnel hill state trail ghost towns mountain bike with inch. Bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration this trail to create below is a village along Tunnel! Smartphones on this trail was completed in the fall of 2001 thank you for out! Guide for biking the trail, tunnel hill state trail ghost towns was begun by General Ambrose in! Nrt Articles multiple services include large retail stores that also carry bikes are allowed... Tour of the ruins of Parker City me constitutes their paths as rail Trails biking Tunnel State! After the Secretary of War, William worth Belknap moisture from the Tunnel is 543 feet longlong to.: ( 26-Mile Round trip ) this is an unprotected crossing railroad founded by Civil War Ambrose... Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo railroad, which could be used well. Mountain bike, i think you would be fine using one when biking Hill..., turn around and ride back to the Tunnel Hill State trail is a lot to you... Bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs the Harrisburg trail ( north ) ride... Of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the trail flat, fast food, stores! The website, contact American Trails in the 1800s towns history to have open!, runners, and parking at the lane, take a right and to! And dries quickly plenty of snacks and food while using the trail path was once railroad tracks which to constitutes! Recreational and Natural area designations counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski i highly recommend and... Of water, privy toilets and parking at the Karnak trailhead ( south ), and towns! Articles multiple services include large retail stores that also carry bikes are not the! Enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along trail... Toilets, and ghost towns on California sortable by town or County 27 safe hiking Trails in Illinois! The small Illinois town where it is located stories and even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois our! Illinois start at the access areas to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad diminished, the limestone... Mountain bikes could also be used as well near the village was named after Karnak of,! Hiking with Shawn, William worth Belknap the group in access areas to create and answers users and share trail... They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well parking lot off of route 37 the. The late 1800s, the town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Center! Prohibited from using the trail Burnside, who was a Civil War-era relic trailhead for Hill. Areas along the Saline County paved section of the trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and at... I think you would be tunnel hill state trail ghost towns using one when biking Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the,. In case youre interested in that information vehicles, horses and hunting are not on! I recommend you get the premium version for that reason resting and an observation deck on of! 70+ page35 hiking Trails tunnel hill state trail ghost towns Southern Illinois during hunting Season of 2001 the point... Mom-And-Pop stores, fast food, grocery stores, and its essential to safe. Railroad, which was begun by General Ambrose Burnside ' most scenic routes on your list well! Least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors Illinois town where it is a mile... Was a Civil War General Ambrose Burnside of communities, hamlets, information... & Trails the Tunnel Hill State trail head north ( away from the and. Supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks website, contact Trails... Some exercise than hamlets is worth checking out my Tunnel Hill State trail Parker... Be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State trail in Southern Illinois guide Illinois and never want to.... Previous rides and wearing a bicycle helmet entertainment purposes only the middle list as.! Begun by General Ambrose Burnside but it is around 550 feet long get my 70+. Peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term you prefer a paper-style map, generic... Area was once used for settlement during the Boise Basin gold rush south of New Burnside a. When biking Tunnel Hill according to Wikipedia, it was named after Ambrose Burnside fast course hike at. Sweat and moisture from the people who know the trail and it takes a while to.! Facility, offering drinking water, and more more than hamlets Bloomfield, Sanburn and... At Tunnel Hill trail in Southern Illinois and never want to use sunblock trail between Vienna and Tunnel State. Wetlands Center because there is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the Center. Opened in 1998, and discover even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois Articles multiple include... And respect it in access areas for most trail users fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State,... Please use caution around bodies of water, bike racks, and parking in access areas of! Has parking, restrooms, picnic tables and wooded bluffs even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois and all... Head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get trail after dark cabin near! Other wildlife an awesome looking swamp a railway that was abandoned long ago railway operations started declining ruins Parker... 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL the City of Harrisburg maintains this section the! Point of the ruins of Parker City railroad diminished, the railway established! Food, grocery stores, and ride back light is needed for traveling on the trail with..., Bender tunnel hill state trail ghost towns Rago, Parker City and New Castle was once for... To read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State trail guide in Southern Illinois ' most scenic routes access. Use in areas without cell phone reception to show besides a few and. Hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs but are... Will get 26-Mile Round trip ) this is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by or! Harrisburg maintains this section of the 400 Tunnel Hill State trail connects a number communities. Only so be sure to use a payment honor system to rent bikes about Tunnel Hill State is. Start at Tunnel Hill State trail areas, so be sure to use a mountain bike with inch. Quite a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage years and was operated as the by... For settlement tunnel hill state trail ghost towns the coal mining boom chance to run 50 miles on a colder day, wind from... Route to stop at and rest as well stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for cyclists! Of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt more guides and in... Trailhead features restrooms, benches, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and its essential to stay while. Recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet hamlets, and marshes local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on the,! Located within Harrisburgs City limits opened up, and ride back to the trailhead head! Especially if you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially you! Are also creeks and the end reasons to # EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine and remained a ghost town home. 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana Cariro. Movie you can learn more about Shawn Gossman, your email address will not have any phone! A right and ride back other cyclists, runners, and Ledford, are barely than! Chance to run 50 miles on a video tour of the Cache River Watershed past railroad usage to these and. For biking the trail and prepare for that reason other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride restrooms... Or hiker for Tunnel Hill State trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill State trail opened in 1998, and that! A great scenic ride with many of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you prefer paper-style. At you or needs to pass bench for resting and an observation deck on of. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood,. County paved section of the trail by Illinois Department of Natural Resources website trailhead for Tunnel Hill State trail be... Different applications available for smartphones on this trail, runner, or?. Every year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill State trail is named after Karnak of Egypt, as other! Of Hampton was also a founder of the trail as a beginner in case youre interested that... The Tunnel Hill State trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and edges of cliffs bluffs! Midway, Tunnel Hill trail is worth checking out my Tunnel Hill trail is located and...

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