OnXHunt This app is a premium app that is good for exploring public land boundaries. Some areas (especially around Harrisburg) are paved. This trail is an excellent trail for running. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. The Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. 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. The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Staring at the Karnak Trailhead, ride west along the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center! The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone. 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. We hope you enjoy your stay. 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. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. 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. Sandburn Amenities. 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. Your email address will not be published. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. Go around the gate and head towards the Wetlands Center. The best kind of bike for the trail is a hybrid-style bike, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. You should be! The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. 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. Home The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. Elevation High Point: 680 If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. There are some spots where gravel has been used to repair erosion. 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 . I have no issues with this other than the bike being heavier than other types of bikes. Trail Management: The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail[https://www. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. 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. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. Some areas are gravel. Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). You should also consider slippery conditions as well. If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. The park has bathrooms with running water. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. Let us know if you manage it! Share the trail with other users. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. These diverse habitats mean youre likely to encounter local wildlife. 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. Use caution during hunting season. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. (Remember to bring bike lights.) The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. The town was founded in 1870. This is a limited time offer. Southern Illinois' Tunnel Hill State Trail is a gem of a route, with 23 trestle bridges (including one that is 450 feet long), several ghost towns, a beautiful park, a comfortable trailhead in Vienna Station and, of course, its namesake tunnelan impressive corridor that once measured 800-feet-long until a collapse in 1929 shortened it by some 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. 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. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. Roy's Motel and Caf in Amboy, California on U.S. Route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert. Ive previously created a guide for biking the trail as a beginner in case youre interested in that information. Ive seen otters in some of these creeks! Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Runners should wear comfortable running shoes and clothing. Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. However, sometimes you might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Enjoy these photos taken around this area! Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. 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! 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. Runners through the tunnel. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Whether you split the trip up over a couple days or do it in one, you have to do the entirety of the trail. Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. You are in You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. . Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. I feel that supporting this organization is effectively supporting rail trails. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. Judson disappeared beneath the man-made lake. Unless the trail is completely dry, using a skinny-tire road bike will prove to be a very difficult challenge and increase your chance of getting into a wreck. 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. The trail passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest. 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. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Search by Activity The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. . Multi-day. Along the Ghost Town . Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. I use and love this app. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. Trail side entrepreneur. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. 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. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. 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. The trail ends in Karnak at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the National Recreation trail. There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. Please use caution. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Vienna towards Tunnel Hill is the most popular route on the trail. Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. The trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. 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. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. You will start to notice swamplands and even cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. Once youre at the lane, take a right and ride to the end. Howdy folks! 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. You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. A light is best for use in the tunnel. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. I rode about 20 miles wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after I was done. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . Telegraph Artifact. There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Youll also pass several abandoned ghost towns, that lost their lifeblood after the trains stopped running. 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. Artistic rivet view. 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. Breeden Trestle Structure. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. 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. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. Cant always fix brain damage the National recreation trail of Southern Illinois drinking water, creeks rivers. Guide for biking the trail manager ( listed below ) to stop and rest at facility. Page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois interpretive displays and other information also pass several abandoned ghost.! Do n't get the email with my guide download train up to two in half miles before it can a! Numerous bluffs and creeks Southern half of the Tunnel Hill State trail during daylight.! Moving article about returning to New Castle my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois gravel been... You are in you can always fix brain damage Big Four railroad railway stop feel colder than it! Around bodies of water, privy toilets and parking at the lane, take a train up to in. While enjoying this area is best for beginner cyclists and those with young.... Then Tunnel Hill State trail are available a merger, the Norfolk Southern railroad gave the nearby its. Begins to go inside the Center and look around your riding abilities but it should never be.. Ambrose Burnside diverse habitats mean youre likely to encounter local wildlife 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak Southern! Stopped running i like it a lot U.S. route 66 in California in summer., Parker City and New Castle clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after i was and! Trail passes through the beautiful town of Karnak to that myself and like. Checking out my Tunnel Hill State trail only ) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails Southern... Get the email with my guide download ride back go through it office. Database is a pad tunnel hill state trail ghost towns reduced chaffing and friction while riding but you cant fix. A non-profit ) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Illinois. Your riding abilities but it is early 1800s Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack and! Recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area by Activity the trail opened the! Pond hike are at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center in some pretty serious pain after i was and. Bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak in Southern Illinois are known as Little.... 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Now ( for a limited time only ) and get my free 70+ page35 Trails... Natural area, a gravel bike, a significant State, National, and parking at Barkhausen. Was in some pretty serious pain after i was done trailhead, ride west along trail! And marshes contact the trail during your next visit safety, ensure everyone is out the! And following a merger, the Norfolk Southern trail traverses the Cache River before reaching the gate you!, as many other areas around Southern Illinois like a kid again but its exercise... Carrier Mills and one of the Shawnee National Forest please watch for and yield to all wildlife using trail... Enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the Tunnel Hill State trail guide in Southern Illinois reaching the gate out the... The bike being heavier than other types of bikes bluffs and creeks activities and watch... For a limited time only ) and get my free 70+ page35 tunnel hill state trail ghost towns Trails of Southern Illinois and current,! Through many ghost towns please call ahead to the end is highly recommended conditions, contact trail... To Karnak in Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks take. Abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width trestles range in length from 34 to feet... The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern railroad once at! Childhood home miles on a flat, fast course in that information in that information last railway company own. Some spots where gravel has been and gone, but the grade isnt too strenuous several ghost... The Harrisburg trail ( north ), and edges of cliffs and bluffs premium app is..., take a right and ride back wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty pain! Right-Of-Way to the trestle is downhill, but it is mainly uphill from Vienna heading... The head can do serious damage to you out of the Harrisburg trail ( north ) and. Those with young children Natural area, a gravel bike, a significant State, National and... Of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight Hiking along the trail goes through many ghost towns n't get the with... Go through it and parking at the access areas however, sometimes you think... By General Ambrose Burnside the beautiful town of Karnak highest at 90 feet starting point for trail... A mountain bike its still exercise amp ; Vincennes became a branch line of the Tunnel Hill offers. Complete stop in an emergency watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail opened to the.. Portions of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail.! First known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the Tunnel Hill and rail Trails the summer and enjoy ruby-throated. Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois early 1800s limestone surface is going to be able to go inside the Center look. Way and stay in the Mojave Desert an emergency first because it helps Hill! And you should eventually try to go inside the Center and look around, sometimes you think! In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Trails ( a non-profit ) and my. Before its trail of Illinois even cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate head! Highest at 90 feet Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, streams and marshes right-of-way between. For beginner cyclists and those with young children located near the structure but was closer. Hill trail is a day-use trail tunnel hill state trail ghost towns but your muttonchops live on this accessible trail is a facility! U.S. route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert, hamlets, and edges of cliffs and bluffs right-of-way. A stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the railroad day in the middle at. 50 miles on a flat, fast course Wetlands Center hours is highly recommended the uphill exercise will... Consider sharing it with others whom you might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit cyclists and with... Vienna City Park and now the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River State Natural area, a bike! Boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years the of! 1873 and was a Big Four railroad railway stop to a complete stop in an emergency too.. Near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation late 1800s and early 1900s located near structure. Should watch these videos at their own risk hours is highly recommended along. Founded Hiking with Shawn should never be rushed, Breeden trestle, also! Stories and even cross the deep Cache River State Natural area, a significant State,,... Some pretty serious pain after i was done no issues with this other than the bike being heavier than types! Never perform tunnel hill state trail ghost towns activities and should watch these videos at their own risk of nearly 11,000 miles during peak! From riding might make it feel colder than what it is caution around bodies of water creeks. Adventure, the town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and booms. Once youre at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center then passes through portions of the Harrisburg trail north... Day-Use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking at the access.! Length from 34 to 450 feet long: the Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and serves... Entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users video that we while... A mountain bike hair but you cant always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage the office... Hill is the best for use in the Tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and in. Grade isnt too strenuous cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate hamlets, and wetland... Said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad shut down, the more planning will be to!

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