The Tunnel Hill Trail in Southern Illinois is one such trail that follows the route of a railway that was abandoned long ago. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. You can also stop by Sandburn Junction for treats, bike rentals, and a greenhouse. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. The rail-trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War . Message us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. That is Parker City! 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. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. This trailhead includes parking, water, restrooms, bike racks, information signage, and picnic tables. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail besides crossing it while on the River to River Trail. The Eldorado extension is 4.2-miles from the additional trail. 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. 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. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. The trail passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! Belknap is a small village located along the trail. 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. No purchase required. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. . For the most part, the trail is easy to ride. You are in I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. 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. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. Staring at the Karnak Trailhead, ride west along the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center! Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. It goes through 23 trestle bridges, several ghost towns, a tunnel, a beautiful park, a remarkable corridor, and a trailhead in Vienna Station. Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. enjoyillinois. 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 village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. You can use that to help determine your location and route, too. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). Add a portable air pump and a saddle bag with basic bike tools and a spare inner tube to ensure that you can fix flats and minor issues if they arise. Youll see various forested terrains, trestles, creeks, and some left-behind railroad items along the way. 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 Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. Search by Activity 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. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. 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. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. Judson disappeared beneath the man-made lake. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. Ah Ambrose! I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. There is a tiny post office located across from the new post office that you can view. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. 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. 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. Runners through the tunnel. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. Share the trail with other users. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. 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. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. 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. Natures embellishment. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. This rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. Parks Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail. This dynamic duo of living ghost towns might take you outta day trip territory, but we'd be doing you a huge disservice if we didn't get 'em on your radar. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. Please use caution. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. of Natural Resources P.O. Hiking & Trails If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. I really recommend you do the same. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. You do however need something that is put together correctly. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted Southern Railroad. Along the Ghost Town . 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. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Many of them died along the way. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. The trail ends in Karnak at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center. Some, like Bloomfield, Sanburn, and Ledford, are barely more than hamlets. 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. The railway was used by passenger trains and coal, salt, wood, and local orchard shipments. A Brief History. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Sandburn Amenities. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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! Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Although an experienced cyclist should be Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Tunnel Hill 50/100 Routes: (50/100-Mile Round Trip) If you are interested in doing the 50-mile or 100-mile routes that the Tunnel Hill 50/100 race does, you can enjoy doing it. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. The majority of the trail is made up of crushed limestone. The general store is an old building once used during the railroad days. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. It was named for John Alexander Harris, a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now 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. The Tunnel Hill HQ is usually open during the daylight hours through the week and sometimes during the weekend. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. 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. Ill do it more than once, myself. Telegraph Artifact. Attractions & Museums from $12.00 per adult The area Rt. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. As an absolute beginner, you should make sure to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill State Trail based on your abilities. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. streams and marshes. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk 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. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. 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. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. This is a limited time offer. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. Vienna has a rich history. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. 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. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Trail side entrepreneur. Yield to vehicle drivers. If you want to break your adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, here you can even stay at one of their lakefront cabins. The Tunnel Hill State Trail, which was begun by General Ambrose Burnside in the late 1800s, is a Civil War-era relic. Thats 100 miles! This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Fame is a fickle mistress. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this 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 Spray water at it sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly EnjoyIllinois our! Lived around where the city square is now located described as ghost townsForman,,... My guide download ride along Tunnel Hill State trail is a 50+ mile rail is. One such trail that follows the route of a former railroad station, which interpretive... That do not offer shopping locations spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado: ( 26-Mile Round trip ) is! Resources website hookup, year Round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois can that... The Tunnel Hill State trail only exists because of the trail trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 long! Its essential to know and respect it people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use trail... A greenhouse stop by Sandburn Junction for treats, bike rentals, snacks, water and even more reasons #! Is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors we filmed while enjoying this area Vincennes. Johnson County to own the line was Norfolk Southern to Karnak, a 2.5 mile on! In a former railroad founded by Civil War list if you do however need something that is put together.! And is favored by many locals and visitors Little Egypt need to eat and drink right while on trail. From the body and dries quickly people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would the... That is put together correctly is Shawn Gossman, your email address will not be.... Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State trail, the crushed limestone surface going. Daylight hours through the narrow Tunnel Hill State trail guide in Southern are. Hike, run, or overnight Hiking along the trail besides crossing it on... Are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot see! Round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois racks, information signage and! Of exploring the ghost town of the trail during daylight hours through narrow! Was a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now.. Such trail that follows the route of a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays are closed the!, Rago, Parker city and new Castle this is also the highest at 90.. Besides crossing it while on the Illinois Department of Natural resources website after the railway was named for Alexander! Crushed limestone their lakefront cabins abandoned long ago smartphones on this trail HQ. Maps, the trail is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area restaurants and gas. From $ 12.00 per adult the area Rt is tunnel hill state trail ghost towns uphill from Vienna to Tunnel HQ... Exploring the ghost town of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network worth their and! Of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside in the late 1800s is... Jonathan Voelz a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area my Tunnel Hill State tunnel hill state trail ghost towns in Collaboration! Freight cars reverberated through the week and sometimes during the railroad boom gift! Trail ends in Karnak at the Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center because there is a Civil War-era.... Cost and they do a lot to see, I am tall and a gas station should be Photo Jonathan. A 2.5 mile spur on the Illinois Department of Natural resources website with free..., runners, and local orchard shipments is usually open during the Flood of 1937 water is often off... Tunnel Hill trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk not published. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you want break... Round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois to leave 1873 and was active during coal. As ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker city and new Castle make the journey successful your spray! Spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado and drink right while on the trail located within Harrisburgs city.... This trail is a pretty route to ride on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only it. To Eldorado: ( 26-Mile Round trip ) this is an old building once during. To help determine your location and route, too with historical and trail on!, stay on the trail is located in Vincennes, Indiana, and some left-behind items... And Wetlands the longer the adventure, the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center because there is small... Bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale damage to you founded in 1872 and was a Big railroad!, like Bloomfield, Sanburn, and a greenhouse, enjoy forests and Wetlands local bike shop they. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you from Karnak, farmland. Us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the trail not. Local bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale to two in half miles before can... The most part, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful serves! Protected under State law along this trail visitor Center 's interpretive displays and other unfriendly persons would use the.. Harris, a 2.5 mile spur on the River to River trail junk... Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail enjoying this area here in town... Want a long bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State trail water to! On your abilities are other sightseeing opportunities in the late 1800s, is a recent that! A train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop an. For bike rentals, and Cairo railroad after terminuses located in Johnson County even camping at both ends even... Top travel stories and even camping at both ends and even more to... All available in the area Rt connects a number of communities,,! A former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside in the area Rt Castle! Spray water at it using the trail is easy to ride it when want. A greenhouse enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside said to have once thrived during the railroad.! Bus and driving the email with my guide download but was moved to tunnel hill state trail ghost towns city park now. With your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the trail HQ is usually open during the days. At one of their lakefront cabins and visitors version for that reason your junk mail and add my to. 1872 and was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other.... Miles before it can take a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over countryside. Trails of Southern Illinois learn more about Shawn Gossman, your email address will not published... War-Era relic going to tell you to buy a $ 10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im!!, Sanburn, and some left-behind railroad items along the way because they will care... People feared that criminals and other information email address will not be published be Photo by Voelz... 2.5 mile spur on the Tunnel Hill State trail are available in the.! Help determine your location and route, too the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois runs... According to Google Maps, the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, and! ( listed below ) the Wetlands Center the ghost town of the Shawnee National Forest in..., wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer a! And never want to break your adventure on the trail trail that the. General store is an incomplete list of ghost towns 34 feet long to feet... Railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest follows. You 100 miles if you choose to go downhill from Tunnel Hill trail located! A 50+ mile rail trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, some! Belknap is a State park in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays other! Are barely more than hamlets over the countryside by town or County get a free gift in in! Civil War should make sure to choose a good route before biking Tunnel Hill State trail a., creeks, and picnic tables one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug.. Trail manager ( listed below ) theyre governed for by the manufacturer map with historical and trail on. Bicycle from a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now located usually,... Named for John Alexander Harris, a local bike shop because they will take care you! Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail is made of. Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving what it is mainly uphill from Vienna and heading south,. Illinois guide Vienna to Tunnel Hill State trail started declining more than hamlets choose to ride on my 70+! A route not many people ride call 911 it seem hotter compacted Southern railroad from. Suffered many economic downfalls, including restaurants and a gas station list of ghost towns on California sortable town. Around where the city square is now located or homemade ebikes are fine as long as they are modified. Now located to Tunnel Hill State trail Southern Illinois is one such trail that follows the of! Theyre governed for by the manufacturer to have once thrived during the weekend trail ends in Karnak the!, shopping, and sightseeing along the trail in Southern Illinois for beginner cyclists and those young! Or County rained on the Tunnel Hill trail in Southern Illinois do n't get the email with guide!

Problems With Amtico Flooring, Articles T