Search by Activity There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. 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. Your head and brain is worth protecting. 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. 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. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. 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. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. 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 . The trail is relatively easy to use for most people. Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. However, the plan to develop the trail was pushed through. EN. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. Minutes away from the Tunnel Hill station is Egyptian Hills Resort where you can stop for a pizza and ice cream overlooking the Lake of Egypt. Jeff Schwen/Wikimedia 8. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. Required fields are marked *. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. You can use that to help determine your location and route, too. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. Many of them died along the way. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. Your email address will not be published. Illinois 200 This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. Others, like New Burnside (named for our good buddy Ambrose) are shrinking. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, Wallace, Idaho. 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. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. The park has bathrooms with running water. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. Breeden Trestle. Forman was located around Heron Pond Lane, which the trail crosses. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. Attractions & Museums from $12.00 per adult The area Rt. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. 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. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. Several campgrounds are located nearby. The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. Thats 100 miles! Southern Railroad. There are some long climbs up to Tunnel Hill, so its a one-day ride for a fit cyclist, or you can take it easier, and break your trip at one of the communities along your way. 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. 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. Tunnel to Breeden Trestle: (5-Mile Round Trip) If you do not want to ride many miles, consider starting at the Village of Tunnel Hill and heading towards Vienna (south) on the trail. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. Ive seen otters in some of these creeks! Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. The ride will be at just about 20 miles as a round trip. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. The trailhead features restrooms, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and information signage. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. What kind of weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in? The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. Winner 2022 NRT Photo Contest, Winter Trails. 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 Focus on a route that will take your mind off of the fact that you are exercising by choosing a route with plenty to see: The Tunnel to Breeden Trestle (5.5 Mile Round Trip): This is a fairly easy trip that starts off downhill (slight uphill grade coming back). 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. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. 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. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. 10 miles north of Tunnel Hill is little Stonefort, and right next to the trail is the Stonefort Depot Museum, with a wealth of information on local history and a large collection of old photographs and maps. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. Using a road bike is not recommended. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. On this Ghost Town Exploration, I explore a portion of Parker City, Illinois with some old foundations and other items present. 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 see various areas of swamps and wetlands. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. Visit the Vienna Visitor Center (Foreman Depot) next to the park and trailhead for more information on these services. Please use caution. It was also too close for comfort to the activities of local salt maker John Hart Crenshaw, who in 1842 was indicted for kidnapping a black woman and her children. A well maintained and interesting area. 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. Youll also pass several abandoned ghost towns, that lost their lifeblood after the trains stopped running. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. Foggy Morning Trail. It is high up and has a wonderful view. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. 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! Natures embellishment. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. Tunnel Hill to Parker City (9 Mile Round Trip): This is a great route with a mostly downhill ride to (uphill on the return trip) from Tunnel Hill to an actual Ghost Town! 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. #EnjoyIllinois and well all be inspired by your adventures. State Parks & National Forest Photo by Jonathan Voelz. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. 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. Some snakes may be on the trail (please yield to them and give them plenty of room as you go around them). Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. The town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. . Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. For the most part, the trail is easy to ride. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Nearly 2,000 people are actively posting on the group. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. A local bike shop will also fit you for the right size of bike which is important for your health as the wrong size can lead to injuries and health issues later down the road. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. Your email address will not be published. The total distance, including Eldorado, is 58 miles. Although an experienced cyclist should be 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. Message us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. 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. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. 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 . The trail should be easy for most groups, from beginners to advanced. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. However, sometimes you might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. 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. 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. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. Ah Ambrose! The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. 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. Mostlypart, there arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along the trail. 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! The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. The City is known for its annual Sasquatch Festival, which celebrates Sasquatch or Big Foot but also has music, food, entertainment, and more. Ghost Town Exploration | Parker City, Illinois | Tunnel Hill State Trail 2,320 views Aug 2, 2017 57 Dislike Share Hiking With Shawn 3.61K subscribers On this Ghost Town Exploration, I. There are some spots where gravel has been used to repair erosion. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. 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. All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! But I enjoyed this route myself. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. Benefits of designation 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. 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. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. When biking Tunnel Hill State Trail as a beginner, the most important thing to remember is that it shouldnt be a race. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Tunnel Hill State Trail. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. You are in Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. Trestle over the Cache. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. 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. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. Required fields are marked *. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. Share the trail with other users. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the National Recreation trail. 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. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. Trail side entrepreneur. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. Belknap is a small village located along the trail. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Box 671 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. The River to River Trail crosses Tunnel Hill State Trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. Please practice. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . Use caution during hunting season. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Runners should wear comfortable running shoes and clothing. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! 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. 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. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. 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. 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. About 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. My favorite cycling apparel companies are. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, has been discussion of plans to open it as a State Historic Site, first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Never want to leave and now the National Recreation trail Eldorado: ( 20-Mile Round trip ) if prefer... Explore a portion of the trail Ambrose ) are shrinking easy to ride and get exercise. Some old foundations and other items present is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel State... 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