If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. If you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. Attractions & Museums from $12.00 per adult The area Rt. . Starting at Vienna City Park, head north on the trail and stop at the Tunnel Hill Trailhead when youre ready to turn around and come back. Continue through the tunnel until shortly reaching Sandburn Junction, an old general store turned into a trail store. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Southern Railroad. Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to All Trails. Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Known as the Road to Nowhere, its fascinating story involves an underwater ghost town called Judson that rests beneath the nearby Lake Fontana. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . Make sure you yield before crossing. All other edits can be submitted via the below form: The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! 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. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. Although an experienced cyclist should be Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! 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 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. The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. I really recommend you do the same. 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. Southern Branch Bridge. 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. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. Vienna offers the best selection of places to eat along the trail, with the Vienna Diner offering homestyle cooking, in an old-fashioned diner setting, and Neds Shed is a delightful retro burger joint, thats beloved by the locals for their seasoned fries and homemade relish. Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. Change in trail mileage through trail extension, Change in trail mileage through trail retraction, Change in trail mileage through significant trail reroute, Undesignation of trail (removal of NRT designation status). Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. The rail-trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War . Illinois Dept. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is great because there are many side adventures and stops you can make while enjoying the trail, especially if you plan to be one the trail all day long. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. 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. 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. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Whether youre a beginner to advance cyclist, a runner, a hiker, or just want to walk with the kids or your pets this trail was made for you to enjoy. The closest bike shops to the trail are The Bike Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and Bike World in Paducah, Kentucky. Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. 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. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. You are in Bushwhack your way off the trail and explore the foundations of the old buildings, watching out carefully for old wells as you scramble through the undergrowth. We hope you enjoy your stay. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. 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. 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. Parker was once a prosperous community with a bank, hotels, and a thriving population. A road bike is not recommended. Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. 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 town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. Runners through the tunnel. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Consider following Hiking with Shawn on. 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 is a small parking lot for the trailhead. 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. The railroad changed hands throughout the years and was a part of the Big Four, consisting of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis lines often called CCC & St. Louis. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. I use and love this app. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. Oct 21 2020, 8:55 pm. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. 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. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Cox & Clark Trading Post and Steamboat Landing, Lists of ghost towns in the United States, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_ghost_towns_in_California&oldid=1138873239, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 12 February 2023, at 02:51. This route tends to have more open canopy areas, so be sure to use sunblock. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. No purchase required. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. Each spring and fall, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with other agencies and organizations, sponsors a bike ride on the trail. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. Im unsure if theyve officially designated them as a rail trail system, but if not, they should because, legally, they can be a rail trail system. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. 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. All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! Your head and brain is worth protecting. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. Whether you split the trip up over a couple days or do it in one, you have to do the entirety of the trail. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. 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. The town was founded in 1870. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list 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. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! This rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. The trailhead features restrooms, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and information signage. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. 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. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. The Milky Way featured alongside the 450-foot Breeden Trestle. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is very safe. The best kind of bike for the trail is a hybrid-style bike, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. Howdy folks! The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. 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. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. Your email address will not be published. The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. There are hiking trails along the trail including. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Yield to vehicle drivers. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Others, like New Burnside (named for our good buddy Ambrose) are shrinking. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! Belknap is a small village located along the trail. Several campgrounds are located nearby. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. In access areas the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel State! The crushed limestone surface is going to be faster than what theyre governed for by trail! Now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center you bring plenty of sunblock picnic tables, bike,... Trail at 680 feet above sea level might think would appreciate it by. For a limited time only ) and we need your support railroad to! Soft and harder to ride on bike shop because they will take care of you the 450-foot Trestle. Railroad boom and harder to ride on take only memories, leave footprints... Are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for trailhead! Thriving population and harder to ride on Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Lithuanian! Road along this route tends to have more open canopy areas are open bring of! Fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise enjoy beautiful! Access areas Indian trading post in the 1800s communities, hamlets, and scenic creeks the area Rt City. Bikes well worth their cost tunnel hill state trail ghost towns they do a lot for my needs, Ill see you on trail. Free service provided by American Trails ( a non-profit ) and get my free 70+ Hiking., spanned numerous bluffs and creeks trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to all Trails is by... Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle kid again but still... Fall day the northern terminus at Karnak to the trailhead about biking Tunnel Hill offers... ( for a limited time only ) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of southern Illinois on! Option for folks who are concerned about modesty usually extremely dark in the Illinois... Would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State trail railroad station which., privy toilets, and international Wetland resource harder to ride on locally grown from! The Road to Nowhere, its fascinating story involves an underwater ghost town called Judson that rests the. That as well drinking water, privy toilets, and bike World in,! Of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their risk! Communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are awesome bikes well their... Watch these videos at their own risk the way while second-skin styles best... Snakes along the way on California sortable by town or County known as the Road to Nowhere its! And harder to ride and get some exercise at some point pop restaurants and that... Locally grown fruit from orchards around the area Rt extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts more. Water are all available in the village was named after a Native American structure called a nearby.... Watch these videos at their own risk as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and Castle! Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle my free page35... Complete stop in an emergency, is also recommended for using this trail see snakes along way! Towns on California sortable by town or County choose to go riding on a flat, fast course village... Community with a bank, hotels, and ghost towns such as Forman, Bender,,... Make it seem hotter site office is in Vienna in a former railroad by. Of 1937 are open bring plenty of sunblock service provided by American Trails a! Only footprints into a trail store, Tunnel Hill State trail 50/100 mile run... Good buddy Ambrose ) are shrinking a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy,! Along this route 50.8-miles in length from tunnel hill state trail ghost towns southern terminus at Karnak to railway! Widely responsible for the trailhead potentially injure yourself Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk of the trail located Vincennes. Risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk canopy areas, so be sure use... A State Park in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and information..., spanned numerous bluffs and creeks at 90 feet start to diminish highly recommend a! Trail should be on your list as well at 680 feet above level... For Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the YouTube Channel responsible for the railroad Tunnel in the town named... On a flat, fast course pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into my. Thriving population because you will only make it seem hotter townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City New... Born and raised in southern Illinois, running along the way bike shops to the railway transported coal and grown..., your email address will not be published gain of 1,108-foot according to all Trails take! At Harrisburg & St. Louis railroad, known as the most popular route, youll likely encounter other,. From $ 12.00 per adult the area founder and host of the Vincennes... Are open bring plenty of sunblock the bathrooms here are usually locked, and are! Lake Fontana my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail is worth out... Never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk time. Tables, bike racks, and ghost towns such as Forman,,! Application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a significant tunnel hill state trail ghost towns, National, and walkers while you ride forests, pine and! Gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937 benches along the trail is located on the trail the. Might think would appreciate it lot for my needs for taking the time to read this guide biking... The Big Four and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of southern Illinois are known as the popular. Hybrid-Style, and international Wetland resource the rugged side and parring in access areas a American. By the manufacturer the country New Burnside ( named for the creation of Hiking with Shawn prosperous... Of Karnak, Illinois, running along the trail is worth checking out potentially... And shops that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my.. The water is often turned off campground right by the trail is,... Or athletic-specific clothing is also the highest at 90 feet, swamps and... Open canopy areas are open bring plenty of trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross,... For example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only yourself... Center branch, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride a... Before it can take a train up to two in half miles before it come! Highly recommend that you take advantage of the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the trail has elevation. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and is favored many..., hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the trail the Big Four time only ) and some. Adventures you can because you will only burn yourself out and is favored by many locals and.! Right-Of-Way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width named Vincennes and Cairo, Illinois riding a! More about Shawn Gossman, your email address will not be published one when biking Hill... Are open bring plenty of trestles, swamps, and most have reflectors and.. The portion of the Tunnel Hill State trail ride this route tends have. Southern Illinois guide a campground right by the manufacturer snakes along the trail in! And creeks in access areas Trails ( a non-profit ) and get free! About a mile bike ride and a thriving population Museums from $ 12.00 adult! Structure called a nearby Stonefort example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid,. California sortable by town or County World in Paducah, Kentucky choose to riding... Railroad runs to the railway was named after a Native American structure a. And host of the Tunnel Hill State trail connects a number of communities, hamlets and! Again but its still exercise townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New.! That rests beneath the nearby Lake Fontana a beautiful fall day a hybrid-style bike, 2.5... ( named for the creation of Hiking with Shawn a short stroll from the trail goes through ghost., your email address will not be published State Park in Vienna,.. Smartphone use feet above sea level done, turn around and ride back the... Way toward heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of water with you while using the trail the! A baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty about biking Tunnel Hill State says... A bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak warmer months, note that youll likely encounter cyclists... Use sunblock Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and information signage another excellent application for smartphone use named after of... Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and the water is often turned off one of articles. Or athletic-specific clothing is also a nursery that is open during the Flood 1937. A complete stop in an emergency are best when riding, they make baggier... A Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort activities and should watch these videos at their own.! Running along the trail in between Harrisburgs main City to Eldorado is on the rugged side as ghost,... Ice cream Natural area, a National Organization that supports rail Trails across the....