If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. There is a bench for resting and an information sign. Search by Activity At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. 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. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Photo by Jonathan Voelz. This route tends to have more open canopy areas, so be sure to use sunblock. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is very safe. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Parks The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. 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. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. Settlers began building houses around 1811 to protect themselves from opposing Native American forces. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. Known as the Road to Nowhere, its fascinating story involves an underwater ghost town called Judson that rests beneath the nearby Lake Fontana. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. 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. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. The trail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. 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. This rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. Fall along southern trail segment. 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. enjoyillinois. 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. . Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. streams and marshes. Be careful as vehicles do travel on this gravel road. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. You can use that to help determine your location and route, too. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. 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 longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. 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). Photo by Jonathan Voelz. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Your email address will not be published. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. We hope you enjoy your stay. These are some of the applications Ive used and recommend you to use, too. 146 East, Vienna, IL 62995 Full view Best nearby Attractions 3 within 6 miles Cherrybark Oak 1 Points of Interest & Landmarks Vienna Town Square Mall 6 Points of Interest & Landmarks Antique Shops Shawnee Winery Cooperative 2 Wineries & Vineyards See all Contribute Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. 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. 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. Although an experienced cyclist should be Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. 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: Belknap is a small village located along 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. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. 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 . Length: 55.8 mi Est. I have no issues with this other than the bike being heavier than other types of bikes. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. Trestle over the Cache. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. If youre a wildlife enthusiast, take a couple of side trips from the trail to experience some of the spectacular wildlife preserves in the area. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cox & Clark Trading Post and Steamboat Landing, Lists of ghost towns in the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_ghost_towns_in_California&oldid=1138873239, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 12 February 2023, at 02:51. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) 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. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. Some of the towns have services while others do not. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 54 min to complete. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. You should be! Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Southern Branch Bridge. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. . Foggy Morning Trail. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. The Trail of Tears is a settlement where Native Americans were forced from their homes and marched to reservations. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State 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. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. Whether youre a beginner to advance cyclist, a runner, a hiker, or just want to walk with the kids or your pets this trail was made for you to enjoy. There isnt much historical information about this post office. 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. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. The Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. A road bike is not recommended. Some snakes may be on the trail (please yield to them and give them plenty of room as you go around them). The history of Eldorado is fascinating. The rail-trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War . In its heyday Forman was similar in size to Parker City, and the two towns declined at the same time, dying with the departure of the railroad. Illinois Dept. Belmont Ghost Town Belmont & Manhattan Ghost Towns. The trail is mainly shaded, but there are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and the sun can reach in. 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! Tunnel Hill State Trail. The Tunnel Hill State Trail passes by five ghost towns, abandoned communities that grew up around the railroad then withered and died when it closed. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. So enjoy this free guide and please share it with others if you would like to see more guides like this one published on this website. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Its essential to stay safe while using the trail. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . 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 is relatively easy to use for most people. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . 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. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. Secondary Surface: Crushed Rock Apply for designation Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. 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. The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. 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. Although an experienced cyclist should be Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. Vienna has a rich history. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. State Parks & National Forest English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the National Recreation trail. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. Along this route, you will see different forest environments, bluffs, rock formations; side trails for hiking, trestles, old farming equipment, old homesteads, signs of the railroad that use to thrive here and the tunnel. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. 6. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. Some areas (especially around Harrisburg) are paved. 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. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. 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. 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. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Along the Ghost Town . As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. Elevation High Point: 680 Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. The general store is an old building once used during the railroad days. Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle, a National Organization that rail... Do a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch page! 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