A dark railroad tunnel and two dozen trestles crossing streams and rocky ravines welcome visitors to the scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail as it travels 55 miles through forests and farmland in sparsely populated southern Illinois. We biked the southernmost 15 miles of the Tunnel Hill bike trail (from Vienna to Karnak). You'll receive your first newsletter soon! 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. Hiking & Trails This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. The Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches 45 miles, and it goes from Harrisburg to Karnak. 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! Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. It is called the Tunnel Hill State Trail. This is one of my favorite Illinois trails. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Previous PARKS & WILDLIFE In this Cruisin’ Illinois web exclusive, we’ll take you for a ride down the Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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. 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... National, regional and local performers take the stage at the Effingham Performance Center! 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. 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 is in excellent condition. Home The central section of Tunnel Hill Trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois' only national forest. Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Parks 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. Today we bike the Tunnel Hill State Trail from Tunnel Hill to New Burnside, Illinois. 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. Additional bicycling and pedestrian pathways can be found in the town of Eldorado but such paths are not designated rail trails or considered a part of Tunnel Hill State Trail. Shawnee National Forest has three campgrounds within 10 miles of the trail: Lake of Egypt Buck Ridge Campground, north of the com… Here is why you should walk or bike it. Give the gift of adventure. Now 543 feet long, it is the only tunnel on the trail. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Gorgeous woodland as you cross thru Shawnee. We saw 4-5 snakes in 30 miles of biking. 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 … The trail is an old railway right of way, surfaced with crushed rock. The route, known as Tunnel Hill State Trail, remains. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. Share 'Tunnel Hill State Trail' Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. One of southern Illinois’ most traveled bike trails, the Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches 46 miles through Johnson, Saline, Williamson and Pulaski counties. 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. If you travel in the summer, watch for snakes on the trail warming themselves in the sun. Today, the railroad is gone. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. 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. The 23 picturesque trestles along the completed sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail feature decking and side rails, which entice trail users to stop. 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. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. 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. You will find more information about this trail on the Tunnel Hill Trail … Southern Illinois Trails Tunnel Hill State Trail. I hope you enjoy the ride! Bike Tunnel Hill is a cause by Hiking with Shawn that is dedicated to the promotion of the Tunnel Hill State Trail in beautiful and scenic southern Illinois. The trail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The very northern section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail starts on the Trolly Road in Eldorado, Illinois. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south … The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. 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. This exhibit traces the history of the fight against apartheid in South Africa, with Nelson Mandela ... Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. The Tunnel Hill Trail in southern Illinois is 56 miles in length, mostly through forest or heavily-treed areas. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak, with 2.5 miles being managed by the city of Harrisburg. 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. Love Illinois? The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a former rail road system tuned rail trail consisting of over 40 miles in length. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. The route of the trail spans from Eldorado to Highway 37, between Cypress and New Grand Chain. Plenty to see in this area including what is left of an Old Ghost Town. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? This is a great, well maintained bike trail. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. We also took the stretch from Vienna to the Cache River wetlands. I’ve included Trail 049 in the longer Southern Illinois trails list because it is part of a loop … Tunnel Hill State Trail. We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life. This section of Tunnel Hill State Trail was from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and back. 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. Biking This is a trail that also connects to many other trails including the River to River Trail and the Trail of Tears. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Nowhere is that more pronounced than at Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois. 8.9 miles - Cook and Lake counties. We explored the stretch of trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. 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. Thank you! 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. It allows people riding to go from Harrisburg all the way to Karnak in Illinois. » In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Buy Pro for the ones you love Buy Pro » For a wonderful way to see the beauty of Southern Illinois, embark on a trip along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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 trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Originally more than 800 feet in length, a portion of the trail's namesake tunnel collapsed in 1929, shortening it by 300 feet. A Puppet Parody at the Effingham Performance Center, Tunnel Hill Bike Rental at Sandburn Junction, Eco-Friendly Hotels and Green Getaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 53.4-mile long unpaved trail located in Southern Illinois. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sport and more. » There is parking access to the trail nearby off of highway 45. State Parks & National Forest © 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! A terrific blend of transportation and recreation, … The Tunnel Hill State Trail is free to anyone who wishes … » Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Users of the trail can enjoy bicycling, running, walking and many sightseeing opportunities. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. The area is teeming with wineries, vineyards, bed & breakfasts, parks and multiple ride possibilities ranging from a 2 hour rides, half day rides, full … Holiday Magic At Brookfield Zoo In Illinois Will Make You Feel Like You’re In The North Pole, Bennison’s Bakery Has Been Making Mouthwatering European Pastries In Illinois Since 1938, Experience Peace And Quiet With A Stay At This Historic Pioneer Home In Illinois, The Winter Nights Winter Lights In Illinois Is A Magical Wintertime Fairyland Experience, Most People Don’t Know About This Eerily Beautiful Swamp Hidden In Illinois, This Serene Illinois Trail System Is The Ultimate Urban Escape, This Underrated State Park Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Illinois, These 12 Trails In Illinois Will Lead You To Unforgettable Places, The Eerie History Behind This Former Resort Town In Illinois Is Downright Bizarre, This Fabulous Small Town Museum Preserves More Than A Century Of Illinois History, The Hike To This Little-Known Illinois Waterfall Is Short And Sweet, 5 Places Abraham Lincoln Lived In Illinois That Might Surprise You. Enjoying a fall bike ride at Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. 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 former Norfolk Southern Railroad line connects to many other popular trails like the River to River Trail and the Trail of Tears. Stretching from Harrisburg to Karnac and traveling through an old railroad tunnel on the Chicago and Eastern railbed, spans 44.5 miles. The Tunnel Hill Trail/Facebook 2. The “rails to trails” movement is where governments take old railroads and make them into hiking or biking trails. Several campgrounds, however, are located nearby. It runs along an area where the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad was operating. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. Green Bay Trail. In 1991, Norfolk Southern Railroad gave its land over to the state of Illinois, which completed the trail project in 2001. While we continue to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, please take proper precautions or add them to your bucket list to see at a later date. You are in… Trail 049. The right-of-way began in 1872 as the Vincennes (Indiana) and Cairo (Illinois) Railroad, and one of its developers was Civil War general Ambrose Burnside who is best remembered for his facial hair which gave us the term "sideburns," a transposition of his last name. 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