The 23 picturesque trestles along the completed sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail feature decking and side rails, which entice trail users to stop. The 9.3 (one way) section of the 44.5 mile that begins at the Tunnel Hill access point and travels south to Vienna, Illinois is one of the most picturesque stretches of Southern Illinois. Although an experienced cyclist should be able to travel the complete trail in about a day, hikers are advised that the trail does not have camping facilities. It is called the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. 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. This section of Tunnel Hill State Trail was from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and back. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. The trail is in excellent condition. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sport and more. Thank you! The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Here is why you should walk or bike it. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? It runs along an area where the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad was operating. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. 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 … Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. © 2020 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Meditation for Healthy Living: 3 Part Virtual Series, Winter Carnival at Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa, Roots & Boots at the Effingham Performance Center, Mandela: Struggle for Freedom at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, That Golden Girl Show! The former Norfolk Southern Railroad line connects to many other popular trails like the River to River Trail and the Trail of Tears. You are in… Shawnee National Forest has three campgrounds within 10 miles of the trail: Lake of Egypt Buck Ridge Campground, north of the com… Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Tunnel Hill Trail is a 47.5 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Harrisburg, Illinois that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Southern Illinois Trails Tunnel Hill State Trail. It allows people riding to go from Harrisburg all the way to Karnak in Illinois. » I hope you enjoy the ride! If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Trail 049. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. Buy Pro for the ones you love Buy Pro The trail is an old railway right of way, surfaced with crushed rock. It’s a great idea, not only because it utilizes old trails, but also because these trails tend to be through some incredibly scenic areas. Previous PARKS & WILDLIFE In this Cruisin’ Illinois web exclusive, we’ll take you for a ride down the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Originally more than 800 feet in length, a portion of the trail's namesake tunnel collapsed in 1929, shortening it by 300 feet. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is free to anyone who wishes … The trail was constructed along an abandoned railroad right-of-way and travels through wide open farmland, through thickly forested areas and over lush wetlands. The Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches 45 miles, and it goes from Harrisburg to Karnak. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. I’ve included Trail 049 in the longer Southern Illinois trails list because it is part of a loop … The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. For a wonderful way to see the beauty of Southern Illinois, embark on a trip along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. We saw 4-5 snakes in 30 miles of biking. Parks 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 you’re up for the challenge. » » Loved by cyclists for its diverse scenery, the trail treks through forests, bluffs, trestle bridges, several ghost towns and its namesake 543-foot tunnel (a flashlight comes in handy). The very northern section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail starts on the Trolly Road in Eldorado, Illinois. The trail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Today we bike the Tunnel Hill State Trail from Tunnel Hill to New Burnside, Illinois. If you know of a local business that could use some extra support during these times, please nominate them here: Enter your e-mail address for things to do, restaurants to try and much more! Give the gift of adventure. The famous Tunnel Hill Trail, Trail of Tears State Forest, Garden of the Gods, Bald Knob Cross, Giant City State Park, and many other fantastic rides. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This gem of Illinois rail-trails was built on the former Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, which was completed in 1874 and hauled coal from southern Illinois mines, as well as produce and … Green Bay Trail. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. Learn about Bald Eagles, visit booths, and see live prey demonstrations during this annual event tha... 3 Part Virtual Meditation Series presented by DuPage Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership wit... Buy a dress, pick out flowers, and find a photographer all in one place with over 100+ vendors to ch... 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