If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. However, the plan to develop the trail was pushed through. Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. Along this route, you will see different forest environments, bluffs, rock formations; side trails for hiking, trestles, old farming equipment, old homesteads, signs of the railroad that use to thrive here and the tunnel. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Search by Activity / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. 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. 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 Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. 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. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. Belmont Ghost Town Belmont & Manhattan Ghost Towns. Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. And if youre thinking that name is awfully appropriate with its proximity to sideburns, then youll be delighted to know that hes actually the source of that very term. The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Length: 55.8 mi Est. Year Designated: 2005. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Some, like Bloomfield, Sanburn, and Ledford, are barely more than hamlets. 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. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). . Wallace, Idaho. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. We're here to help Southernmost Illinois in IL Address: PO Box 37862906 Phone:(618) 833-9928+1 618-833-9928 Trails to Adventure in IL Address: 900 S. Normal Ave Woody Hall MC431762901 The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. 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. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now 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! This would be an ideal route to take kids on. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. 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. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. 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 . Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. Although an experienced cyclist should be For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. 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. But it is a combination of the two names, Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read, who were the towns founders. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. The general store is an old building once used during the railroad days. If youre overweight and out of shape and ride a longer route, it could end being very uncomfortable and not fun at all for you. Ah Ambrose! Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming 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. 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. of Natural Resources P.O. One lesson that I learn the first time cycling after not being on the bike for over 10 years was that my body wasnt used to a bicycle like it was back when I was back a kid. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Artistic rivet view. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Tunnel Hill State Trail Facts States: Illinois Counties: Johnson, Pulaski, Saline, Williamson Length: 55.3 miles Trail end points: Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center at IL 37 (Cypress) and Eldorado High School athletic fields at N. Main St. (Eldorado) Trail surfaces: Concrete, Crushed Stone Trail category: Rail-Trail ID: 6032279 Activities: 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). Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! My favorite cycling apparel companies are. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. I hope to see you on the mailing list! 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. The town was founded in 1870. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. Avoid junk food like candy and soda, especially on hotter days as these items will usually have a reverse effect on hydration and fueling for athletic activities. Winner 2022 NRT Photo Contest, Winter Trails. This trail is an excellent trail for running. Natures embellishment. 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. Multiple services include large retail stores, fast food, grocery stores, great mom-and-pop stores, and more. Founded in 1818 and built on logging and trapping furs it boomed when the railway arrived. Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. The type of bike to use is very important when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. If you have to, get off and push and you might consider a bike light as well. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. 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. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. There are non-electric and electric sites available. The Milky Way featured alongside the 450-foot Breeden Trestle. If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! 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. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? There is a lot to see along this route and is often the most favored biking route on the trail. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. Youll also pass several abandoned ghost towns, that lost their lifeblood after the trains stopped running. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. At its peak the town had a population of nearly 300, with 40 houses, hotels, stores, a post office, places to eat, and two barbershops. 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. As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. I feel that supporting this organization is effectively supporting rail trails. I personally use a mountain bike with 29 inch tires. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. 62995 (618) 658-2168 http://dnr.state.il.us. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. 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! If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. Multi-day. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. Illinois Dept. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. 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. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Enjoy these photos taken around this area! Some bike lights might also be good in case you are on the trail after dark or need lights to see through the tunnel. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. 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. 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. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! You do however need something that is put together correctly. 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. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. This trailhead includes parking, water, restrooms, bike racks, information signage, and picnic tables. The River to River Trail crosses Tunnel Hill State Trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hiking with Shawn is an entity of Hiking with Shawn LLC, registered in the State of Illinois. Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. 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. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. Reviews from cyclists and hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, lizards, turtles, and frogs. 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. State(s): Illinois As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. 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. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. 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 The trail is mainly shaded, but there are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and the sun can reach in. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. This is a limited time offer. Breeden Trestle Structure. I really recommend you do the same. 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. Each spring and fall, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with other agencies and organizations, sponsors a bike ride on the trail. 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. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Secondary Surface: Crushed Rock Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Fall along southern trail segment. 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. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. The trailhead features restrooms, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and information signage. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The information signage at the trailhead shows a past photo and provides more information. If you would be so kind enough to support my efforts, you can do so by sharing this post with others, especially on social media. Ive seen otters in some of these creeks! I used to could ride through the tunnel without lights but anymore, I become disorientated and have a hard time doing it so now I try to use lights. Box 671 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL The trail was completed in the fall of 2001. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. The trail is relatively easy to use for most people. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. Heron Pond, Little Black Slough, Boss Island and Wildcat Bluff, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: Heron Pond | Hiking With Shawn, Ultimate Trail Guide: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area | Hiking With Shawn, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: High Knob Area | Hiking With Shawn. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the National Recreation trail. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. It features several historic sites and its own Boot Hill Cemetery. Criminal activity along the trail and at trailheads is very low but you should ensure that you lock your vehicles and hide valuables before leaving it to ride. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. Your email address will not be published. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The majority of the trail is made up of crushed limestone. 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. 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. There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. Manager ( listed below ) must accompany each group of 15 minors never be rushed former,! Runs through Harrisburg a route not many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route stop! Trailhead includes parking, water, privy toilets, and ride back is about! City ( or commonly just Parker ) was located between Tunnel Hill State trail because. Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Hill! Abandoned ghost towns are open its history see many people from Vienna to Road. Scenery along the trail the trains stopped running promote the trail was completed in the fall of.... Working to promote the trail National Recreation trail gave the nearby town name..., lizards, turtles, and now the trail runs for 45 miles Harrisburg... Provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside shorts live... Across the Country ; Vincennes became a branch line of the trail its sign kiosk the favored! Is put together correctly remained a ghost town and Ledford, are barely more hamlets! 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