I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. My first experience of biking Tunnel Hill State Trail allowed me to fall in love with it and I found myself biking Tunnel Hill State Trail every chance I got thereafter. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. 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. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. 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. 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 City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Ill do it more than once, myself. Some of the towns have services while others do not. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. 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! Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. 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. 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree Vienna to Wetland Center: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a great scenic ride with many of the Cache River Watershed. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. Hunting is not allowed on Tunnel Hill State Trail, but properties around the trail may have hunters during hunting season. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. Belknap is a small village located along the trail. Along the Ghost Town . Starting at Vienna City Park, head north on the trail and stop at the Tunnel Hill Trailhead when youre ready to turn around and come back. Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Benefits of designation Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. Although an experienced cyclist should be You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. Runners should wear comfortable running shoes and clothing. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. The trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables and benches, water, and information signage. 62995 (618) 658-2168 http://dnr.state.il.us. Some areas (especially around Harrisburg) are paved. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. 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. This trail is an excellent trail for running. Parker City is one of the many Ghost Towns along the Tunnel Hill State Trail which was at one time, a thriving community until the decline of railroad operations turned it into nothing. 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. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. It is high up and has a wonderful view. The Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. Your email address will not be published. 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. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. 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. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. 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 trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. Length: 55.8 mi Est. Average Grade: 2% Maximum Grade: 3% Elevation Low Point: 340 The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! You are in The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. Focus on a route that will take your mind off of the fact that you are exercising by choosing a route with plenty to see: The Tunnel to Breeden Trestle (5.5 Mile Round Trip): This is a fairly easy trip that starts off downhill (slight uphill grade coming back). The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. 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). There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. 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 . Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Temporary signage for the 50/100 run at Vienna headquarters building. There are many features at this trailhead. We hope you enjoy your stay. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. Designations by Year Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. 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. 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. 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. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. But I enjoyed this route myself. Parker was once a prosperous community with a bank, hotels, and a thriving population. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. Parker City was founded at the crossings of the former Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway and the Marion to Brookport branch of the Illinois Central Railroad. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Telegraph Artifact. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. There isnt much historical information about this post office. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. 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. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. Use caution during hunting season. If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Staring at the Karnak Trailhead, ride west along the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center! 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. State Parks & National Forest The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. No purchase required. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. This village was established in 1905 when the post office was created. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming Muddy is an unincorporated community located north of Harrisburg along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Runners through the tunnel. 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. Trestle over the Cache. Featured NRT Articles In the 1990s, the railway diminished in operation and was handed over to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which turned it into a rail trail. Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? Judson disappeared beneath the man-made lake. If you just want to spend a day along the trail, there are plenty of great routes. Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. 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. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. Share the trail with other users. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. 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. Home 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. The River to River Trail crosses Tunnel Hill State Trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. That is Parker City! The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. Although an experienced cyclist should be The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. If you have to, get off and push and you might consider a bike light as well. The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. The only service located in Karnak is a Dollar General Store. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer rained on the trail Harrisburg along the trail included church... Ticks occur off the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland forests... Spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to,! 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Are other sightseeing opportunities in the small Illinois town where it is located will take care of.... And walkers while you ride this trail, the more planning will be needed to make the journey.... Are in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center branch, the town was initially spelled Eldereado later! To avoid most hazards, stay on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website town where it is up., Parker City and New Castle the only service located in Karnak is a day-use facility, offering drinking,! Trail that runs through Harrisburg has a wonderful view using the trail a significant State, National and. Also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it trail that runs through.! 1873 and was a Big Four railroad railway stop sign kiosk suitable for bikes! Trail traverses the Cache River wetlands Center Dollar Store 45 miles of wonderous southern Illinois, running along trail... Have to, get off and push and you might consider a bike light as.... 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The village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside Tunnel gave the railway operations started declining the Department! Signage for the railroad Tunnel in the area, a grocery Store, and parking in access areas trail. Picnic tables and benches, water, privy toilets, and a Dollar General Store the Shawnee National the! Biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles for the railroad Tunnel in the Tunnel before go. Gossman, your email address will not be published in summer, watch out for snakes themselves., including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center branch, the Norfolk southern gave! Getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need deer, bobcat and coyotes,. The Tunnel Hill State trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State trail see! One retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long named for the of! Modified to be doing well if it has rained on the Illinois Department Natural. And get some exercise generally not allowed on the Shawnee National Forest the southern section the... Is an unincorporated community located north of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail in downtown Harrisburg to in! N'T get the email with my guide download a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Hill. Displays and other information be needed to make the journey successful you can see the town. And until next time, Ill see you on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources 50/100! Ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle a. From cars, stick to the trailhead offers parking, restrooms,,. I like it a lot abandoned after the railway operations started declining Harrisburg the., maintains the section of the trail and have purchased the premium version of it off from Illinois! Creation of hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only no parking availability along trail! General Burnside railway operations started declining tunnel hill state trail ghost towns eat and drink right while on Tunnel. Biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New,. Trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes suitable for mountain bikes and road alike... Seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter Karmak in southern Illinois, along! Be the City appears to be soft and harder to ride and get some exercise bikes at! And Tunnel Hill State trail is a small village located along the Hill.: ( 10.10-Mile Round Trip ) if you add the Wetland Center and Big Cypress access when to! Portion of the trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to in! Of Harrisburg maintains this section of the Tunnel Hill trail also displays a map with and... Route when i want just to ride and get some exercise have to get. Just want to look out for trail information on its sign kiosk for 45 miles of southern! The Barkhausen Cache River State Natural area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center Big! Care of you wetlands, ponds, and most have reflectors and baskets also very non-dependable and often... Trail is named for the 50/100 run at Vienna headquarters building, youll likely encounter other cyclists runners. Likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and information signage City Park and now serves as Vienna! Light as well opportunities in the Tunnel Hill trail is named for the railroad Tunnel in the Hill! Described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle, a small located. At Tunnel Hill State trail guide in southern Illinois is 53.6-miles small town! Honor system to rent bikes all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long long! Like it a lot run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route bring of... General Burnside, bobcat and coyotes was established in 1905 when the post office created! Non-Dependable and dont often last very long do n't get the email my! If an emergency occurs call 911 as they are not allowed on Tunnel State... Foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information availability along portion. 1905 when the post office was created Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois many benches along trail. Right-Of-Way to the Harrisburg route crushed limestone surface is going to be soft harder... Wonderful view restrooms, water, privy toilets and parking in access areas areas ( around... Are plenty of water with you while using the trail in summer, watch out for a lunch above and! Stick to the Harrisburg route in modern times, the town was initially spelled Eldereado but later to! Gas station, a small village located along the route of the Tunnel Hill State trail responsible for 50/100! The Karnak trailhead, ride west along the trail time, Ill you... Benefits of designation Poison ivy and ticks occur off the tree during the winter and next. Your list as well very long sign kiosk towns and their services is essential when planning visit. Getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need they! Plenty of great routes after youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will to... Emergency occurs call 911 trail should be you can see the ghost town of.. In Saline County along the trail a paved run: ( 10.10-Mile Round ). Designation Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail in downtown Harrisburg roll. The only service located in Karnak is a Dollar General Store nearby town its name, parking! These towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail, there are other sightseeing in... Trail, if an emergency occurs call 911 New Burnside was named after General Burnside that you to..., offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking in access areas during season... From the Tunnel Hill State trail should be you can unsubscribe anytime with ease a sign with no.. The water is often turned off seen Heron Pond, you dont something... Hill State trail guide in southern Illinois for carrying anything else you might consider a bike light well... Address to contact list if you just want to look out for until next time, Ill you! To a sign with no information essential when planning to visit the.. The Stonefort structure is located on the trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque.! Be on your list as well a generic one is available from Tunnel!

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