62995 (618) 658-2168 http://dnr.state.il.us. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. The Tunnel Hill Trail in Southern Illinois is one such trail that follows the route of a railway that was abandoned long ago. With 47.8 miles (one-way) of crushed gravel surface, extended inclines and dark tunnels, this trail is a difficult one, but one not to pass up, as long as youre up for the challenge. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. The Tunnel Hill HQ is usually open during the daylight hours through the week and sometimes during the weekend. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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). Photo by Jonathan Voelz. A light is best for use in the tunnel. But I enjoyed this route myself. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. Forman was located around Heron Pond Lane, which the trail crosses. For the most part, the trail is easy to ride. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). 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. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The path is crushed limestone and goes over a few bridges. Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. 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. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Parks 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. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. Your head and brain is worth protecting. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark. Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. Some snakes may be on the trail (please yield to them and give them plenty of room as you go around them). This is a limited time offer. 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 trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. 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. Required fields are marked *. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The general store is an old building once used during the railroad days. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. Trail side entrepreneur. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Consider following Hiking with Shawn on. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. You might also join mySouthern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Groupon Facebook, too! According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. Some bike lights might also be good in case you are on the trail after dark or need lights to see through the tunnel. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. On this Ghost Town Exploration, I explore a portion of Parker City, Illinois with some old foundations and other items present. Elevation High Point: 680 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. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. 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. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. Although an experienced cyclist should be Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Fame is a fickle mistress. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. 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. 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. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. Designations by Year Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail besides crossing it while on the River to River Trail. Sandburn Amenities. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. Outside of the Wetlands Center, there are a few hiking trails and an observation deck on top of an awesome looking swamp. Forman became the intersection of the CB and Q Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad, and passengers waiting to change trains often stayed overnight. These are some of the applications Ive used and recommend you to use, too. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Illinois Dept. Please use caution. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. Some areas are gravel. Go around the gate and head towards the Wetlands Center. While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts. 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. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! 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. We hope you enjoy your stay. Reviews from cyclists and hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Make sure you plan correctly before doing these routes. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. Wallace, Idaho. That is Parker City! I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. Fall along southern trail segment. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. 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. / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. 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. 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. The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. 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. Hikers and horseback riders may cross the trail. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. Dont try to hit the animal. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. Although an experienced cyclist should be Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. The trail was completed in the fall of 2001. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. So, I felt like Eldorado deserves an honorable mention in this guide. Breeden Trestle. OnXHunt This app is a premium app that is good for exploring public land boundaries. Featured NRT Articles Trail Managers: please use the official NRT update form to update your trail for any of the following changes: >> Download the official NRT update form. Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Trail Management: Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. 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. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. The village owns a campground along the trail where users can stay (for a fee). . Nearly 2,000 people are actively posting on the group. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. 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. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. Length: 55.8 mi Est. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. Home Many of them died along the way. In 1991 the last active owners of the railroad, Norfolk Southern, abandoned operations on the line and gifted the right-of-way between Harrisburg and Karnak to the State of Illinois. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. You can also support me by becoming aPatreon Supporterfor as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). Avoid junk food like candy and soda, especially on hotter days as these items will usually have a reverse effect on hydration and fueling for athletic activities. 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. 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. 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. 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. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail 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. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. . On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. #EnjoyIllinois and well all be inspired by your adventures. The best kind of bike for the trail is a hybrid-style bike, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. 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 City is known for its annual Sasquatch Festival, which celebrates Sasquatch or Big Foot but also has music, food, entertainment, and more. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. This rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. Photo by John O'Connell Photography. 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. 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. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. 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! The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. There is a tiny post office located across from the new post office that you can view. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. 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