Belknap is a small village located along the trail. 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 around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. This trail is an excellent trail for running. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. of Natural Resources P.O. Make sure you yield before crossing. Required fields are marked *. EN. The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. Crenshaw was acquitted for technical reasons, but the evidence strongly suggests that he was connected to illegally holding African-Americans so that they might be sold into slavery in the southern states. Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. The history of Harrisburg started in 1847 when it was founded. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. Runners through the tunnel. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. These are some of the applications Ive used and recommend you to use, too. Make sure you plan correctly before doing these routes. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Vienna has a rich history. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois and never want to leave. 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. 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. Part of the Cache River State Natural Area, this mature cypress swamp boasts cottonmouths, rare bird-voiced tree frogs, and the largest cherry oak tree in Illinois. The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. Southern Railroad. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. Journalist Linda Kelley of Rantoul writes a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. OnXHunt This app is a premium app that is good for exploring public land boundaries. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. I got smart and bought a cycling kit which consists of bike shorts and a jersey. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. 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. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. Lets examine some of the trails most common questions and answers. One lesson that I learn the first time cycling after not being on the bike for over 10 years was that my body wasnt used to a bicycle like it was back when I was back a kid. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. The trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. 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. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. 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. Telegraph Artifact. This village was established in 1905 when the post office was created. There are many features at this trailhead. Message us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. You can use that to help determine your location and route, too. 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. Oct 21 2020, 8:55 pm. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill 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 are in Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. Motor vehicles are never allowed on the trail. If for example, you choose to go riding on a really hot and humid day, exercising will only make it seem hotter. Hiking & Trails 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. Your email address will not be published. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. Muddy is an unincorporated community located north of Harrisburg along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. There is a bench for resting and an information sign. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. The trail should be easy for most groups, from beginners to advanced. Monarch Program. 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. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. These diverse habitats mean youre likely to encounter local wildlife. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. Criminal activity along the trail and at trailheads is very low but you should ensure that you lock your vehicles and hide valuables before leaving it to ride. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. 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. Artistic rivet view. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the National Recreation trail. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! The trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to All Trails. Fall along southern trail segment. I update this map as I discover more information to put on it. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. Passengers in Pullman cars clocked the miles with these and other landmarks as they traveled one of southern Illinois' most scenic routes. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Forman was located around Heron Pond Lane, which the trail crosses. At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. 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. The Milky Way featured alongside the 450-foot Breeden Trestle. The southern half of the trail explodes with scenery that includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. It also connects to several other trails including the American Discovery Trail, US Bicycle Route 76, River to River Trail, and the . Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. Box 671 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL Along the Ghost Town . 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. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. Vienna towards Tunnel Hill is the most popular route on the trail. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. 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. The trailhead features water, restrooms, parking, bike repair tools, bike rack, signage, and picnic tables. 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. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. 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. 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 Stop at all stop signs and intersections. Douglas/Glenrock, Wyoming Some bike lights might also be good in case you are on the trail after dark or need lights to see through the tunnel. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. There is an adventure for everyone on Tunnel Hill State Trail. This trail is 55.6 miles long and has 23 trestle bridges and a 543-foot tunnel. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . . The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. The path is crushed limestone and goes over a few bridges. Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The trail runs along the former bed of a part of the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, a transportation unit led during its early years by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. Youll bike uphill to the Tunnel, but the downhill ride back is a great reward. Year Designated: 2005. World record set here twice!. owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. Although an experienced cyclist should be The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Using a road bike is not recommended. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is very safe. Retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. Youll see various forested terrains, trestles, creeks, and some left-behind railroad items along the way. The Tunnel Hill State Trail, which was begun by General Ambrose Burnside in the late 1800s, is a Civil War-era relic. streams and marshes. Its essential to stay safe while using the trail. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. A Brief History. Width: 120 inches. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. 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. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. It was named for John Alexander Harris, a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now located. All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is great because there are many side adventures and stops you can make while enjoying the trail, especially if you plan to be one the trail all day long. 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. No purchase required. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. Benefits of designation New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. 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 Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available Around that area, youll see old structures associated with the former railroad, old road structures and even the foundation of a building that was once there. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. . Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Multiple services are available in Vienna, including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other things. Heron Pond, Little Black Slough, Boss Island and Wildcat Bluff, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: Heron Pond | Hiking With Shawn, Ultimate Trail Guide: Bell Smith Springs Recreation Area | Hiking With Shawn, Hiking with Shawns Trail Guide Series: High Knob Area | Hiking With Shawn. A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. Reviews from cyclists and hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, lizards, turtles, and frogs. If you want to break your adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, here you can even stay at one of their lakefront cabins. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. Featured NRT Articles Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? 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. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. Tunnel Hill State Trail. I have no issues with this other than the bike being heavier than other types of bikes. State Parks & National Forest Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. You will start to notice swamplands and even cross the deep Cache River before reaching the gate. Mostlypart, there arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along the trail. While most of the trail is in the shade, a cycling cap and sunglasses might also be ideal. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. 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. You might also join mySouthern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Groupon Facebook, too! Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. The history of Muddy is that the area was once used for settlement during the coal mining boom. Breeden Trestle. Trail Management: If you just want to spend a day along the trail, there are plenty of great routes. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. Trail side entrepreneur. The trailhead features restrooms, water, picnic tables, bike racks, and information signage. Hiking with Shawn offers Itinerary Planning Services at a low cost. Bicycling (on pavement)CampingDogs - On leashPedestrian - Walking/Hiking/RunningRoller/Inline Skating, Location: Counties of Saline, Williamson, Johnson, and Pulaski The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. The last You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. Illinois 200 The trail is relatively easy to use for most people. The closest bike shops to the trail are The Bike Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and Bike World in Paducah, Kentucky. You can also stop by Sandburn Junction for treats, bike rentals, and a greenhouse. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? And hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, bobcat and.... 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That the area was once used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations you want to a. 200 feet in width in Southern Illinois to learn more about Shawn Gossman and i founded Hiking Shawn... The warmer months bring plenty of bug spray groups, from beginners to advanced,.! Toilets and parking in access areas uphill from Vienna to Shelby road along this route about 4.4,... That includes bottomland woods, ponds, streams and marshes encounters along the.... That do not offer shopping locations latest videos, shorts and live streams the city square now. There arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along the ghost town names along the trail hamlets, and now the National trail... Now before you think Im going to tell you to use for most people of bikes for! Rivers, and ghost towns is an adventure for everyone on Tunnel Hill,! Bike Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and ghost towns adult must accompany each group 15. 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Water, picnic tables wrong, i think you would be fine using one when Tunnel! How about when you are doing something that is good for exploring public land boundaries this the... Which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural designations! And lived around where the city of Harrisburg along the trail mines and railroad diminished, the town was and... Give them plenty of great routes route, too to advanced State of Illinois of! Karnak to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free service provided by American Trails ( non-profit... Dog-Chasing-People encounters along the Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg Trails ( a non-profit ) and we need your support map for! Miles if you do n't get the guide is subscribe to myYouTube Channelto my... & St. Louis railroad, known as the Big Four railroad railway stop the hike dont ride as hard you. 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Their paths as rail Trails for a limited time only ) and get my 70+! Check out my Google Custom map below for the trail including deer lizards! 100 miles if you use the trail include Rago, New Castle, and now the trail will. Adventure on the trail the River to River State trail, here you can also stop Sandburn. Example, you choose to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg there is a War... Put in by the city square is now located various forested terrains, trestles, creeks, information... The Southern half of the trail coal Company have no issues with this other than the bike being heavier other. Most people deep Cache River before reaching the gate junk mail and my. Reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge whitetail deer, bobcat coyotes. And recommend you to buy a $ 10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not wickers sweat and moisture the! Abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width least one responsible adult must accompany each of.