I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. There are quite a few towns along the trail. . 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 first sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail opened in 1998, and it was completed in 2001. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. Tunnel Hill 100/50 is an ultra marathon running event taking place on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail, starting and finishing in Vienna, IL park. I feel that supporting this organization is effectively supporting rail trails. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. 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. Curtis Abert/Flickr 7. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone. The central section of Tunnel Hill Trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois' only national forest. Monarch Tagging Program. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. Many of them died along the way. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. 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 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. Search by Activity Trestle over the Cache. Settlers began building houses around 1811 to protect themselves from opposing Native American forces. Full hookup, year round campground in Shawnee Forest Country of Southernmost Illinois. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. Vienna to Tunnel Hill: (20-Mile Round Trip) If you are looking for a longer route with a lot to see, you should do this route. 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. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. The park has bathrooms with running water. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. Fall along southern trail segment. 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. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. 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. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. This is a limited time offer. 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! Several campgrounds are located nearby. What kind of weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in? The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. 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. The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. Consider following Hiking with Shawn on. (Remember to bring bike lights.) My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. Helpful NRT contacts. Required fields are marked *. 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. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. Founded in 1818 and built on logging and trapping furs it boomed when the railway arrived. 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. This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Photo by John O'Connell Photography. The clothing had also chaffed my legs pretty good from all the friction of the material rubbing as I rode. Featured NRT Articles Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. So enjoy this free guide and please share it with others if you would like to see more guides like this one published on this website. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . Others, like New Burnside (named for our good buddy Ambrose) are shrinking. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. 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. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. There is a campground located in Karnak right off the trail. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Using a road bike is not recommended. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. The trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables and benches, water, and information signage. Forman was located around Heron Pond Lane, which the trail crosses. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. You do however need something that is put together correctly. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. If you fancy a historic detour while youre in Vienna, check out the first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, now on the National Register of Historic Places. There is an adventure for everyone on Tunnel Hill State Trail. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Major sporting events even take place on the trail. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. This village was established in 1905 when the post office was created. Tunnel Hill State 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! You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. Vienna to Wetland Center: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a great scenic ride with many of the Cache River Watershed. 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. Starting at Vienna City Park, head north on the trail and stop at the Tunnel Hill Trailhead when youre ready to turn around and come back. There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. Sandburn Junction has a general store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks, produce, and veggies that is always open. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Hike the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, named for "Big Ed" Pulaski, who led a fire crew of 43 men into a mine tunnel to escape a catastrophic 1910 wildfire. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. Trail side entrepreneur. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. 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. 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. Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? Natures embellishment. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Howdy folks! Foggy Morning Trail. Monarch Program. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. Multiple services include large retail stores, fast food, grocery stores, great mom-and-pop stores, and more. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. Apply for designation Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! Yield to vehicle drivers. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. 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. It features several historic sites and its own Boot Hill Cemetery. The River to River Trail crosses Tunnel Hill State Trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. The trail is mainly shaded, but there are some areas where the canopy is opened up, and the sun can reach in. Fame is a fickle mistress. of Natural Resources P.O. A road bike is not recommended. Tunnel Hill is an unincorporated village in Johnson County. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. You might also join mySouthern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Groupon Facebook, too! Biking If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. My favorite cycling apparel companies are. Vienna has a rich history. 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. 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 trail was completed in the fall of 2001. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Southern Branch Bridge. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. You should be! If you need help with the trail, have questions, want to see photos, or post photos and videos then we recommend you join the group. Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. 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. 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. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. 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 A light is best for use in the tunnel. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. 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. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is a good way to get into shape but it will still work out your muscles and increase your fitness levels. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is very safe. 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. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Whether you split the trip up over a couple days or do it in one, you have to do the entirety of the trail. A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. South of New Burnside youll come on a railroad pier shelter marked Parker City. If you plan to be on the trail for more than 4 hours, consider bringing a lunch that doesnt require cooking to fuel yourself up. Vienna to Shelby Road: (5.6-Mile Round Trip) This is an excellent run route that most people do when visiting the trail for running purposes. Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! 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. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Starting from Harrisburg, you could do a much longer overnight bikepacking (or hiking) adventure nearly 100 miles in length. Vienna towards Tunnel Hill is the most popular route on the trail. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. This used to be one of the smallest post office facilities in the state. Ive previously created a guide for biking the trail as a beginner in case youre interested in that information. . As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. All; Albums; Appearances; Awards; In Performance; Press; Uncategorized EN. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. I really recommend you do the same. Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. You are in Tunnel Hill State Trail. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. If you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially if you are new to cycling. Trail Management: Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. Hiking & Trails Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. 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. . There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. 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. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. No purchase required. Length: 55.8 mi Est. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. 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. Telegraph Artifact. Outside of the Wetlands Center, there are a few hiking trails and an observation deck on top of an awesome looking swamp. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. Vienna to Tunnel Hill (10 Mile Round Trip): This is a longer route that is mostly uphill all the way to Tunnel Hill and downhill all the way back to Vienna. Belmont Ghost Town Belmont & Manhattan Ghost Towns. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Benefits of designation Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. Motor vehicles are never allowed on the trail. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. Every year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill 50/100 occurs on the trail. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. 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