My favorite cycling apparel companies are. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Monarch Program. 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. Multi-day. There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. You will get tunnel vision in most cases. 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. Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. The ride will be at just about 20 miles as a round trip. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. Go around the gate and head towards the Wetlands Center. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. World record set here twice!. There is an adventure for everyone on Tunnel Hill State Trail. Wallace, Idaho. 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. 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. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Breeden Trestle Structure. Crenshaw was acquitted for technical reasons, but the evidence strongly suggests that he was connected to illegally holding African-Americans so that they might be sold into slavery in the southern states. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Howdy folks! 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). This used to be one of the smallest post office facilities in the state. Apply for designation All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. 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. Founded in 1818 and built on logging and trapping furs it boomed when the railway arrived. 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. Width: 120 inches. I would recommend you at least do this route once. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. Trail Management: In the 1920s it began to decline, the post office closed in the early 1940s, and since then the buildings have been removed, leaving only the traces of a bustling little railway town. Home No purchase required. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! 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. The park has bathrooms with running water. Year Designated: 2005. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. 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. 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. Illinois 200 In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. The trail ends in Karnak at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center. If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. In 1991 the last active owners of the railroad, Norfolk Southern, abandoned operations on the line and gifted the right-of-way between Harrisburg and Karnak to the State of Illinois. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. 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. Search by Trail Type, NRT Home Page Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. You can also support me by becoming aPatreon Supporterfor as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. The first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. Outside of the Wetlands Center, there are a few hiking trails and an observation deck on top of an awesome looking swamp. Make sure you plan correctly before doing these routes. Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. 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. 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. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. 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. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Southern Illinois' Tunnel Hill State Trail is a gem of a route, with 23 trestle bridges (including one that is 450 feet long), several ghost towns, a beautiful park, a comfortable trailhead in Vienna Station and, of course, its namesake tunnelan impressive corridor that once measured 800-feet-long until a collapse in 1929 shortened it by some Hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary Planning Services at a low cost. Staring at the Karnak Trailhead, ride west along the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center! The following safety recommendations are meant to help you stay safe while using the trail: There will be plenty of other safety situations you might run into that are likely not listed here. As an absolute beginner, you should make sure to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill State Trail based on your abilities. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. 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. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. 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. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. 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 history of Harrisburg started in 1847 when it was founded. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. This is a limited time offer. For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails. . The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone. Message us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . There are not many restaurants along the way in the smaller communities that the trail passes through and while some trailheads have drinkable water, these systems are not always reliable or turned on. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. I rested at every bench I saw on the trail the first many times I went biking at Tunnel Hill and even now, I still rest from time to time and I consider myself a fairly seasoned cyclist. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. This rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. Settlers began building houses around 1811 to protect themselves from opposing Native American forces. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? 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. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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. Let us know if you manage it! Trestle over the Cache. It is high up and has a wonderful view. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. Be careful as vehicles do travel on this gravel road. enjoyillinois. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. We hope you enjoy your stay. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. 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 Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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). The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. The trail is mainly paved through Harrisburg and maintained by the city. I use and love this app. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. Once youre at the lane, take a right and ride to the end. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. This is a limited time offer. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. When biking Tunnel Hill State Trail as a beginner, the most important thing to remember is that it shouldnt be a race. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. A Brief History. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. 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. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. 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