It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Founded in 1818 and built on logging and trapping furs it boomed when the railway arrived. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. Parker was once a prosperous community with a bank, hotels, and a thriving population. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. Heron Pond, Little Black Slough, Boss Island and Wildcat Bluff, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: Heron Pond | Hiking With Shawn, Ultimate Trail Guide: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area | Hiking With Shawn, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: High Knob Area | Hiking With Shawn. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? The closest bike shops to the trail are The Bike Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and Bike World in Paducah, Kentucky. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. However, the plan to develop the trail was pushed through. The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. 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. Several campgrounds are located nearby. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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: The town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. In the end, use common sense and always put safety first. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Ah Ambrose! As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. I always consider the fact that I will likely sweat more and feel hotter than what it is like outside. 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. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. Crenshaw was acquitted for technical reasons, but the evidence strongly suggests that he was connected to illegally holding African-Americans so that they might be sold into slavery in the southern states. Vienna to Tunnel Hill: (20-Mile Round Trip) If you are looking for a longer route with a lot to see, you should do this route. 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. owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Be careful as vehicles do travel on this gravel road. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! Every year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill 50/100 occurs on the trail. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. 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. Parks Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. . Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail besides crossing it while on the River to River Trail. Karnak to Cache River Wetlands Center (5.5 Mile Round Trip): This is a fairly riding route, there and back with plenty to see along the way. The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. 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. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. On this ride, youll see everything: the tunnel, Breeden Trestle, other trestles, bridges, waterfall cascades, Sandburn Junction, railroad items left behind, old home sites, and plenty of bluffage, too! There is a bench for resting and an information sign. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. Please use caution. When biking Tunnel Hill State Trail as a beginner, the most important thing to remember is that it shouldnt be a race. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. Some snakes may be on the trail (please yield to them and give them plenty of room as you go around them). Many of them died along the way. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. I hope to see you on the mailing list! My perfect riding conditions are a relatively dry couple of days, mostly sunny with temperature in the high 70s to low 80s and light wind. 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. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Hiking & Trails Featured NRT Articles Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. 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. 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. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Although an experienced cyclist should be Required fields are marked *. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. 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. Telegraph Artifact. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. Search by Trail Type, NRT Home Page Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. The history of Muddy is that the area was once used for settlement during the coal mining boom. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. These diverse habitats mean youre likely to encounter local wildlife. ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. Starting from Harrisburg, you could do a much longer overnight bikepacking (or hiking) adventure nearly 100 miles in length. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. 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. Multiple services are available in Vienna, including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other things. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. Message us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. 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. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. Although an experienced cyclist should be able to travel the complete trail in about a day, hikers are advised that the trail does not have camping facilities. The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. Trail side entrepreneur. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. 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. If you plan to be on the trail for more than 4 hours, consider bringing a lunch that doesnt require cooking to fuel yourself up. 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 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. You are in Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. 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. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. The information signage at the trailhead shows a past photo and provides more information. If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. These are some of the applications Ive used and recommend you to use, too. Retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. The last Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. Whether you split the trip up over a couple days or do it in one, you have to do the entirety of the trail. So, I felt like Eldorado deserves an honorable mention in this guide. Your head and brain is worth protecting. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. We're here to help Southernmost Illinois in IL Address: PO Box 37862906 Phone:(618) 833-9928+1 618-833-9928 Trails to Adventure in IL Address: 900 S. Normal Ave Woody Hall MC431762901 Karnak to Harrisburg (Century Ride): (100-Mile Round Trip) If youre looking to do a Century Ride (100 miles), this is the route for you. Southern Branch Bridge. No purchase required. That is Parker City! 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. Vienna towards Tunnel Hill is the most popular route on the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! The type of bike to use is very important when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. 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. Use caution during hunting season. Winner 2022 NRT Photo Contest, Winter Trails. For the most part, the trail is easy to ride. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. Ill do it more than once, myself. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Enjoy these photos taken around this area! EN. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Each spring and fall, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with other agencies and organizations, sponsors a bike ride on the trail. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. Some areas are gravel. If you want to break your adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, here you can even stay at one of their lakefront cabins. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! 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. Home Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. There are many features at this trailhead. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Several campgrounds are located nearby. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. Required fields are marked *. Attractions & Museums from $12.00 per adult The area Rt. Tunnel Hill is an unincorporated village in Johnson County. 10 miles north of Tunnel Hill is little Stonefort, and right next to the trail is the Stonefort Depot Museum, with a wealth of information on local history and a large collection of old photographs and maps. 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. Share the trail with other users. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. The village owns a campground along the trail where users can stay (for a fee). Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. Year Designated: 2005. streams and marshes. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. Your email address will not be published. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. No purchase required. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. You should be! The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. Abandoned church in Alberta (Shutterstock) They may not officially be haunted, but the eerie silence of Alberta's ghost towns is still enough to make the skin crawl. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. You can use that to help determine your location and route, too. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; 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. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 54 min to complete. Tunnel Hill 100/50 is an ultra marathon running event taking place on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail, starting and finishing in Vienna, IL park. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. 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. This village was established in 1905 when the post office was created. Thats 100 miles! The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. I use and love this app. All of the trail in Harrisburg is paved and striped. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. 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. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. The rail-trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War . The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. enjoyillinois. Apply for designation All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! 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. The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . Trestle over the Cache. The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. There are hiking trails along the trail including. 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. Continue through the tunnel until shortly reaching Sandburn Junction, an old general store turned into a trail store. The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. Youll bike uphill to the Tunnel, but the downhill ride back is a great reward. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. 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. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. You can also stop by Sandburn Junction for treats, bike rentals, and a greenhouse. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. If you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially if you are new to cycling. Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, There are some long climbs up to Tunnel Hill, so its a one-day ride for a fit cyclist, or you can take it easier, and break your trip at one of the communities along your way. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted 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. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. Some bike lights might also be good in case you are on the trail after dark or need lights to see through the tunnel. This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. Make sure you plan correctly before doing these routes. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. You will start to notice swamplands and even cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate. We hope you enjoy your stay. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! Vienna to Tunnel Hill (10 Mile Round Trip): This is a longer route that is mostly uphill all the way to Tunnel Hill and downhill all the way back to Vienna. Fame is a fickle mistress. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. Some of the towns have services while others do not. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. 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. Width: 120 inches. Sandburn Amenities. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. Deer and other wildlife are common along the trail. Length: 55.8 mi Est. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. 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. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. 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. Monarch Program. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. Helpful NRT contacts. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Home The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. The trail supposedly is closed during night time hours but a good bike light should be installed on the bike in case you are on the trail in the dark as there are very little lights along the trail and at intersections with roads. Illinois 200 of Natural Resources P.O. 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. This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. I personally use a mountain bike with 29 inch tires. 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Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and recreation. Stay at one of their lakefront cabins being knowledgeable about cyclist needs many ghost.... Year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill State trail connects a number communities. Historical and trail information on its sign kiosk also displays a map historical...