The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. 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. Thank you for checking out my Tunnel Hill State Trail guide in southern Illinois. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Enjoy these photos taken around this area! If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. A well maintained and interesting area. You will get tunnel vision in most cases. Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. 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 trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. 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. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. 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. You should be! Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. Breeden Trestle. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. Only ride, hike, or run the amount in which youre physically able to do. There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. 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. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. Hiking & Trails Your head and brain is worth protecting. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. No purchase required. Youll see various forested terrains, trestles, creeks, and some left-behind railroad items along the way. 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 site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. The trail should be easy for most groups, from beginners to advanced. . Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 54 min to complete. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. Photo by John O'Connell Photography. Get a plan from the people who know the trail the most. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. This trail is an excellent trail for running. For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. 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. The town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. Parker City was a neighborhood in New Burnside that was located between Tunnel Hill and New Aside from a few foundations and traces of railway usage, the majority of these Ghost Towns have nothing to offer. Designations by Year 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. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. The central section of Tunnel Hill Trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois' only national forest. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. Videos and displays introduce you to the natural history of the area and the flora and fauna that live here. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. Illinois Dept. 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 Tunnel Hill State Trail, which was begun by General Ambrose Burnside in the late 1800s, is a Civil War-era relic. Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. Runners through the tunnel. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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! About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. The path is crushed limestone and goes over a few bridges. If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! 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. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Fame is a fickle mistress. Once youre at the lane, take a right and ride to the end. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The railway was used by passenger trains and coal, salt, wood, and local orchard shipments. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! Search by Activity Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. The only service in Tunnel Hill is Sandburn Junction, accessed from a gravel road or the trail going south after the tunnel. enjoyillinois. 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. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. 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). If youre a wildlife enthusiast, take a couple of side trips from the trail to experience some of the spectacular wildlife preserves in the area. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Roy's Motel and Caf in Amboy, California on U.S. Route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert. Curtis Abert/Flickr 7. In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. Ill do it more than once, myself. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. 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. What kind of weather is most comfortable for you to be outside in? However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. Ah Ambrose! Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. 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. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. You should bring food and drinks that are geared towards athletic activities. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! 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. 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. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. While groups of 25 or more are welcome and encouraged to use the park's facilities, they are required to register in advance with the site office to avoid crowding or scheduling conflicts. The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. A light is best for use in the tunnel. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. 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. Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. 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. Elevation High Point: 680 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. 27 Safe Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois during Hunting Season. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; 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 Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Sandburn Amenities. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. You might also join mySouthern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Groupon Facebook, too! A road bike is not recommended. Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Route 37 at the southwest end of the trail. 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. You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. Using a road bike is not recommended. 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. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. Im unsure if theyve officially designated them as a rail trail system, but if not, they should because, legally, they can be a rail trail system. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Required fields are marked *. If you have to, get off and push and you might consider a bike light as well. There is a tiny post office located across from the new post office that you can view. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. There is much private property around the area, and its essential to know and respect it. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. 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. Please use caution. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. Staring at the Karnak Trailhead, ride west along the trail towards the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center! Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available Retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. 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 is mainly paved through Harrisburg and maintained by the city. The town was founded in 1870. It goes through 23 trestle bridges, several ghost towns, a tunnel, a beautiful park, a remarkable corridor, and a trailhead in Vienna Station. Youll bike uphill to the Tunnel, but the downhill ride back is a great reward. If you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. My favorite cycling apparel companies are. Please practice. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. All of the trail in Harrisburg is paved and striped. Width: 120 inches. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. Parker City is one of the many Ghost Towns along the Tunnel Hill State Trail which was at one time, a thriving community until the decline of railroad operations turned it into nothing. tunnel hill state trail ghost towns. Search by Trail Type, NRT Home Page Reviews from cyclists and hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. A Brief History. 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. Donate, Browse NRT Map All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! 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. Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. The Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Mostlypart, there arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along the trail. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark.
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