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. If youre like me and are fascinated with snakes, youd like this section quite a bit. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. 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. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. However, the plan to develop the trail was pushed through. New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. 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. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Parker City was founded at the crossings of the former Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railway and the Marion to Brookport branch of the Illinois Central Railroad. After youre done, simply ride back the way you came. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. Width: 120 inches. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. Belknap is a small village located along the trail. So, I felt like Eldorado deserves an honorable mention in this guide. Judson disappeared beneath the man-made lake. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. Several campgrounds are located nearby. This is a limited time offer. No purchase required. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. 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. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. 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. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. 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. Photo by John O'Connell Photography. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. The trail passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest. 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 Tunnel Hill Trail in Southern Illinois is one such trail that follows the route of a railway that was abandoned long ago. But it is a combination of the two names, Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read, who were the towns founders. Sandburn Amenities. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. Runners through the tunnel. Let us know if you manage it! I update this map as I discover more information to put on it. Hiking & Trails There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. . If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. 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. Its essential to stay safe while using the trail. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. You might also join mySouthern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Groupon Facebook, too! 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, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. Monarch Program. 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. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. OnXHunt This app is a premium app that is good for exploring public land boundaries. Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. The trail is relatively easy to use for most people. Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. Telegraph Artifact. Several campgrounds are located nearby. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. Ah Ambrose! For the most part, the trail is easy to ride. Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. Vienna towards Tunnel Hill is the most popular route on the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to All Trails. This used to be one of the smallest post office facilities in the state. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. The trail supposedly is closed during night time hours but a good bike light should be installed on the bike in case you are on the trail in the dark as there are very little lights along the trail and at intersections with roads. A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. Pack a couple of water bottles and consider a hydration backpack to carry extra water, snacks and stuff like that. 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. Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. 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. I always consider the fact that I will likely sweat more and feel hotter than what it is like outside. Along the Ghost Town . Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). The Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. Vienna offers the best selection of places to eat along the trail, with the Vienna Diner offering homestyle cooking, in an old-fashioned diner setting, and Neds Shed is a delightful retro burger joint, thats beloved by the locals for their seasoned fries and homemade relish. There are some long climbs up to Tunnel Hill, so its a one-day ride for a fit cyclist, or you can take it easier, and break your trip at one of the communities along your way. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. Forman became the intersection of the CB and Q Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad, and passengers waiting to change trains often stayed overnight. I rode about 20 miles wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after I was done. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. Bicycling (on pavement)CampingDogs - On leashPedestrian - Walking/Hiking/RunningRoller/Inline Skating, Location: Counties of Saline, Williamson, Johnson, and Pulaski Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. While most of the trail is in the shade, a cycling cap and sunglasses might also be ideal. This route tends to have more open canopy areas, so be sure to use sunblock. If you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. The park has bathrooms with running water. 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 Using a road bike is not recommended. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. If youve enjoyed this guide, please consider sharing it with others whom you might think would appreciate it. Tunnel Hill is an unincorporated village in Johnson County. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Length: 55.8 mi Est. 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. Southern Railroad. The last The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. Belmont Ghost Town Belmont & Manhattan Ghost Towns. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Wallace, Idaho. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. Some areas are gravel. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Some snakes may be on the trail (please yield to them and give them plenty of room as you go around them). Deer and other wildlife are common along the trail. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Parks But I enjoyed this route myself. Known as the Road to Nowhere, its fascinating story involves an underwater ghost town called Judson that rests beneath the nearby Lake Fontana. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. 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 rail trail is worth checking out and is favored by many locals and visitors. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. 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. The trail should be easy for most groups, from beginners to advanced. The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. When biking Tunnel Hill State Trail as a beginner, the most important thing to remember is that it shouldnt be a race. You can also support me by becoming aPatreon Supporterfor as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. There are three lookout decks on the bridge allowing riders to stop and view the scenery without being in the way of other trail users. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. There are hiking trails along the trail including. 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 Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Dont try to hit the animal. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. Helpful NRT contacts. This trailhead includes parking, water, restrooms, bike racks, information signage, and picnic tables. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. Vienna has a rich history. Videos and displays introduce you to the natural history of the area and the flora and fauna that live here. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. The total distance, including Eldorado, is 58 miles. The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. Illinois Dept. 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. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. Crenshaws mansion is owned by the state, and while there has been discussion of plans to open it as a State Historic Site, this project appears to be on hold due to lack of funding. #EnjoyIllinois and well all be inspired by your adventures. My favorite cycling apparel companies are. The path is crushed limestone and goes over a few bridges. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Home You should be! These are some of the applications Ive used and recommend you to use, too. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. Major sporting events even take place on the trail. Cyclists should wear a helmet for safety. Ill do it more than once, myself. Oct 21 2020, 8:55 pm. Every year a Boston Marathon Qualifier Called Tunnel Hill 50/100 occurs on the trail. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. 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