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. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. The trailhead features water, restrooms, parking, bike repair tools, bike rack, signage, and picnic tables. Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. What kind of weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in? A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. 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. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. 27 Safe Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois during Hunting Season. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. 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. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. Illinois 200 There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. However, sometimes you might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. 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 last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. Whether you split the trip up over a couple days or do it in one, you have to do the entirety of the trail. enjoyillinois. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. Roy's Motel and Caf in Amboy, California on U.S. Route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. You do however need something that is put together correctly. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Its essential to stay safe while using the trail. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. The trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. The Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. 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. Vienna to Shelby Road: (5.6-Mile Round Trip) This is an excellent run route that most people do when visiting the trail for running purposes. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. Reviews from cyclists and hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Fame is a fickle mistress. Ah Ambrose! described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. 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. In the 1920s it began to decline, the post office closed in the early 1940s, and since then the buildings have been removed, leaving only the traces of a bustling little railway town. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. Hunting is not allowed on Tunnel Hill State Trail, but properties around the trail may have hunters during hunting season. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. I really recommend you do the same. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. EN. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Deer and other wildlife are common along the trail. The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. After youre done, simply ride back the way you came. Passengers in Pullman cars clocked the miles with these and other landmarks as they traveled one of southern Illinois' most scenic routes. You are in Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. 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. . There are quite a few towns along the trail. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! 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. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. Share the trail with other users. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. Visitors will pass 23 trestle bridges (one of which is 450 feet long), a ghost town, a park, and the 543-foot tunnel for which the trail was named. Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. 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. 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. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. I would recommend you at least do this route once. owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk I always consider the fact that I will likely sweat more and feel hotter than what it is like outside. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. No purchase required. 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. Only ride, hike, or run the amount in which youre physically able to do. Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. The park has bathrooms with running water. Fall along southern trail segment. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Weve struggled to find information about the old communities of Bender and Rago, so if you have any stories to share wed love to hear from you. The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. 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. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. 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. A Brief History. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. 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. About Trestle over the Cache. The trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables and benches, water, and information signage. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? There are not many restaurants along the way in the smaller communities that the trail passes through and while some trailheads have drinkable water, these systems are not always reliable or turned on. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. I used to could ride through the tunnel without lights but anymore, I become disorientated and have a hard time doing it so now I try to use lights. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. This is along the Tunnel Hill State Trail for joggers and bicyclists to enjoy!Please give this video a thumbs up and if you haven't subscribed to my channel yet, please subscribe today, it's free and it motivates me to keep uploading more videos!Check out my previous video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XznMLy_Uz_UFollow me on social media for exclusive content and fun: http://www.facebook.com/hikingwithshawn/ http://www.twitter.com/hikingwithshawn/ http://plus.google.com/+hikingwithshawn/ http://www.instagram.com/hikingwithshawn/Check out my official Hiking With Shawn website at: https://www.hikingwithshawn.com/Want to send me fan mail?Hiking With ShawnP.O. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. 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. As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. One lesson that I learn the first time cycling after not being on the bike for over 10 years was that my body wasnt used to a bicycle like it was back when I was back a kid. Forman became the intersection of the CB and Q Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad, and passengers waiting to change trains often stayed overnight. 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 The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. Length: 55.8 mi Est. 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. So, I would mainly use this to explore state and federal public land off the trail. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. Please practice. . The type of bike to use is very important when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. I rode about 20 miles wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after I was done. Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. Videos and displays introduce you to the natural history of the area and the flora and fauna that live here. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to All Trails. 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 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. 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. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. 6. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! 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. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. The clothing had also chaffed my legs pretty good from all the friction of the material rubbing as I rode. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. 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