Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. 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. Designations by Year Make sure you plan correctly before doing these routes. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. It goes through 23 trestle bridges, several ghost towns, a tunnel, a beautiful park, a remarkable corridor, and a trailhead in Vienna Station. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. Box 368Hurst, Illinois 62949Thanks for watching another episode of Hiking With Shawn and until next time, I'll see you on the trail!#hikingwithshawn #southernillinois #shawneenationalforest #bluffage #hiking But it is a combination of the two names, Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read, who were the towns founders. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Visit the Vienna Visitor Center (Foreman Depot) next to the park and trailhead for more information on these services. If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. Required fields are marked *. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Please use caution. 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. Harrisburg to New Burnside: (36-Mile Round) This route is like the Harrisburg to Stonefort Route above, but it adds some additional mileage. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. The total distance, including Eldorado, is 58 miles. The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. There is a tiny post office located across from the new post office that you can view. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. The Eldorado extension is 4.2-miles from the additional trail. You can also stop by Sandburn Junction for treats, bike rentals, and a greenhouse. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. If you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. 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. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. Hikers and horseback riders may cross the trail. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 54 min to complete. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Mostlypart, there arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along 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. 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. Home 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. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. Some of the towns have services while others do not. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Trestle over the Cache. Donate, Browse NRT Map Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. 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. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. I feel that supporting this organization is effectively supporting rail trails. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. 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. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. 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. If you need help with the trail, have questions, want to see photos, or post photos and videos then we recommend you join the group. As an absolute beginner, you should make sure to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill State Trail based on your abilities. Hunting is not allowed on Tunnel Hill State Trail, but properties around the trail may have hunters during hunting season. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. 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. In the end, use common sense and always put safety first. 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. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. 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. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. Many of them died along the way. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. There are non-electric and electric sites available. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. 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. 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. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. You are in 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. 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. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. Your head and brain is worth protecting. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. 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. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. Founded in 1818 and built on logging and trapping furs it boomed when the railway arrived. tunnel hill state trail ghost towns. Fame is a fickle mistress. This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Dangerous conditions exist within this area. Make sure you yield before crossing. There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. 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. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. Oct 21 2020, 8:55 pm. There isnt much historical information about this post office. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. If you have to, get off and push and you might consider a bike light as well. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Several campgrounds are located nearby. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. Four hours from Vegas is Belmont, and the sights you'll find here are some of the most amazing in the state.If the 100-foot chimney that was once used for WWII target practice . Thats 100 miles! Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Runners should wear comfortable running shoes and clothing. Illinois Dept. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. 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. 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. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Jeff Schwen/Wikimedia 8. Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. I would recommend you at least do this route once. There are hiking trails along the trail including. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. Trail Management: Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Pack a couple of water bottles and consider a hydration backpack to carry extra water, snacks and stuff like that. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Some areas are gravel. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. The railway was used by passenger trains and coal, salt, wood, and local orchard shipments. This used to be one of the smallest post office facilities in the state. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Cyclists should wear a helmet for safety. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. At its peak the town had a population of nearly 300, with 40 houses, hotels, stores, a post office, places to eat, and two barbershops. 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 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. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. Once youre at the lane, take a right and ride to the end. Multiple services include large retail stores, fast food, grocery stores, great mom-and-pop stores, and more. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. 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. Apply for designation Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. Let us know if you manage it! The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Starting from Harrisburg, you could do a much longer overnight bikepacking (or hiking) adventure nearly 100 miles in length. Hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary Planning Services at a low cost. You should be! 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. 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. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. About Some snakes may be on the trail (please yield to them and give them plenty of room as you go around them). Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. There is a campground located in Karnak right off the trail. I update this map as I discover more information to put on it. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. 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. Telegraph Artifact. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). This trail is an excellent trail for running. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. Use caution during hunting season. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. Just dont feel you need to pack everything on your ride because the more weight you have to carry, the harder it will be to ride! Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. It is high up and has a wonderful view. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. 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. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. 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. The trail should be easy for most groups, from beginners to advanced. You will get tunnel vision in most cases. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. I always consider the fact that I will likely sweat more and feel hotter than what it is like outside. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is a good way to get into shape but it will still work out your muscles and increase your fitness levels. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. Youll see various forested terrains, trestles, creeks, and some left-behind railroad items along the way. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. I rode about 20 miles wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after I was done. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! 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. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. Relax in a peaceful country setting, take a nature hike, fish and enjoy friendly country hospitality Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. enjoyillinois. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. 62995 (618) 658-2168 http://dnr.state.il.us. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. 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. If you want to break your adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, here you can even stay at one of their lakefront cabins. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. Parks 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. A well maintained and interesting area. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. South of New Burnside youll come on a railroad pier shelter marked Parker City. streams and marshes. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is very safe. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. Muddy is an unincorporated community located north of Harrisburg along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The only service in Tunnel Hill is Sandburn Junction, accessed from a gravel road or the trail going south after the tunnel. The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? Howdy folks! If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. This is a limited time offer. 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. Several campgrounds are located nearby. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. All of the trail in Harrisburg is paved and striped. Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. Motor vehicles are never allowed on the trail. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. If you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially if you are new to cycling. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. The path is crushed limestone and goes over a few bridges. Line of the towns have nothing to show besides a few ghost towns users of the entire trail often. With snakes, youd like this section quite a bit 34 feet long Center ( Foreman ). With Rails-to-Trails Conservancy to see you on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail be. Yourself out and potentially injure yourself and even more reasons to # EnjoyIllinois with our free.! For Tunnel Hill mountain bike, i think you would be fine using one when biking Hill... Take a right and ride south youre like me and are fascinated with,... Bicycle from a gravel road or the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties transformed the. Before 4:00 PM to be soft and harder to ride it when i want a long bike ride hike. Adventure nearly 100 miles if you do n't get the email with my Guide download you fatigued! To extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more as an absolute beginner, should... Left-Behind railroad items along the trail the warmer months, tunnel hill state trail ghost towns that youll encounter! Is usually extremely dark in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the lane take! 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