The path is crushed limestone and goes over a few bridges. A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. Ive previously created a guide for biking the trail as a beginner in case youre interested in that information. A well maintained and interesting area. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. It is high up and has a wonderful view. Along the Ghost Town . Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Trail side entrepreneur. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? Outside of the Wetlands Center, there are a few hiking trails and an observation deck on top of an awesome looking swamp. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. If you just want to spend a day along the trail, there are plenty of great routes. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. 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. 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. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. 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. Starting from Harrisburg, you could do a much longer overnight bikepacking (or hiking) adventure nearly 100 miles in length. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. If you have to, get off and push and you might consider a bike light as well. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. The trail should be easy for most groups, from beginners to advanced. Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. Toward the close of the Civil War, Illinois became the first state to ratify theThirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which abolished slavery nationally. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. 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. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Parker was once a prosperous community with a bank, hotels, and a thriving population. Please practice. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. During warmer days (even in the winter), venomous snakes including cottonmouths and copperheads may be present on the trail please ride a safe distance around the snakes and let them be to avoid getting bit. 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. The village owns a campground along the trail where users can stay (for a fee). There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Illinois Dept. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. I would recommend you at least do this route once. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. There are quite a few towns along the trail. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. Some bike lights might also be good in case you are on the trail after dark or need lights to see through the tunnel. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. The Tunnel Hill Trail in Southern Illinois is one such trail that follows the route of a railway that was abandoned long ago. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Width: 120 inches. Monarch Tagging Program. Southern Railroad. The trailhead features water, restrooms, parking, bike repair tools, bike rack, signage, and picnic tables. The last owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Southern Railroad. If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! Hunting is not allowed on Tunnel Hill State Trail, but properties around the trail may have hunters during hunting season. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, Multi-day. Staring at the Karnak Trailhead, ride west along the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center! In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The trailhead features restrooms, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and information signage. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. 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. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. The rail-trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War . There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. Youll see various forested terrains, trestles, creeks, and some left-behind railroad items along the way. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day; photo by Jonathan Voelz, View more details for this trail in the NRT Database. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. 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. 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. Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Route 37 at the southwest end of the trail. I use and love this app. Several campgrounds are located nearby. The type of bike to use is very important when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. Your email address will not be published. Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. Before setting out to ride the trail, consider the riding conditions of the trail for the day you plan to be biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Required fields are marked *. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. There is a bench for resting and an information sign. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. 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. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. It goes through 23 trestle bridges, several ghost towns, a tunnel, a beautiful park, a remarkable corridor, and a trailhead in Vienna Station. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. As an absolute beginner, you should make sure to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill State Trail based on your abilities. Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. Home Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. 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. Some areas are gravel. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. Visit the Vienna Visitor Center (Foreman Depot) next to the park and trailhead for more information on these services. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. 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 . You are in Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. It was named for John Alexander Harris, a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now located. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. The City is known for its annual Sasquatch Festival, which celebrates Sasquatch or Big Foot but also has music, food, entertainment, and more. I hope to see you on the mailing list! 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. No purchase required. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. 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. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. Hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary Planning Services at a low cost. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. 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. 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. However, many trail users will also ride into the town to use their bikes/walking paths. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. Expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill State is. 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