You can also stop by Sandburn Junction for treats, bike rentals, and a greenhouse. Helpful NRT contacts. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. Tunnel to Breeden Trestle: (5-Mile Round Trip) If you do not want to ride many miles, consider starting at the Village of Tunnel Hill and heading towards Vienna (south) on the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Average Grade: 2% Maximum Grade: 3% Elevation Low Point: 340 Elevation Gain (cumulative): Not Available Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. It was named for John Alexander Harris, a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now located. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. Jeff Schwen/Wikimedia 8. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. Fame is a fickle mistress. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. Lets examine some of the trails most common questions and answers. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Forman was located around Heron Pond Lane, which the trail crosses. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. 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. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. Thank you for taking the time to read this guide about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. However, many trail users will also ride into the town to use their bikes/walking paths. I personally use a mountain bike with 29 inch tires. 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. 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. Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. 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. . Consider following Hiking with Shawn on. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. To promote safety, ensure everyone is out of the tunnel before you go through it. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! Home The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Harrisburg to New Burnside: (36-Mile Round) This route is like the Harrisburg to Stonefort Route above, but it adds some additional mileage. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. Benefits of designation Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. Share the trail with other users. Event on the incredibly scenic Tunnel Hill Trail. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Length: 55.8 mi Est. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. There are hiking trails along the trail including. Trail Management: Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! 27 Safe Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois during Hunting Season. There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. 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 Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. 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. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. Artistic rivet view. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. 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. 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. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . Tunnel Hill to Parker City (9 Mile Round Trip): This is a great route with a mostly downhill ride to (uphill on the return trip) from Tunnel Hill to an actual Ghost Town! Whether you bike, hike, or run the trail, dont forget to share your stories, your snaps, and your top tips with us on the Enjoy Illinois Facebook page. Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? Enjoy these photos taken around this area! New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. . The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. 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. The only service located in Karnak is a Dollar General Store. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. A light is best for use in the tunnel. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Natures embellishment. On this Ghost Town Exploration, I explore a portion of Parker City, Illinois with some old foundations and other items present. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. 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. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. 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. 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. 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. Only ride, hike, or run the amount in which youre physically able to do. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. Multiple services are available in Vienna, including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other things. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. Karnak to Harrisburg (Century Ride): (100-Mile Round Trip) If youre looking to do a Century Ride (100 miles), this is the route for you. You should bring food and drinks that are geared towards athletic activities. Several campgrounds are located nearby. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. 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. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. There is only one tunnel on the trail, but it is around 550 feet long. Synthetic clothing is best as it wickers sweat and moisture from the body and dries quickly. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. So, I felt like Eldorado deserves an honorable mention in this guide. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. Donate, Browse NRT Map I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Longitude: -89.01867Latitude: 37.31144. There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. 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. 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. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. There are non-electric and electric sites available. Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! State(s): Illinois The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. #EnjoyIllinois and well all be inspired by your adventures. 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. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. 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. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. Illinois 200 I got smart and bought a cycling kit which consists of bike shorts and a jersey. Runners should wear comfortable running shoes and clothing. Runners through the tunnel. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. That is Parker City! This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. Hiking & Trails Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. 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! Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. All of the trail in Harrisburg is paved and striped. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. There is a campground located in Karnak right off the trail. You do however need something that is put together correctly. If you just want to spend a day along the trail, there are plenty of great routes. Apply for designation Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 16 h 54 min to complete. The City is known for its annual Sasquatch Festival, which celebrates Sasquatch or Big Foot but also has music, food, entertainment, and more. Southern Branch Bridge. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone. Tunnel Hill State Trail. The information signage at the trailhead shows a past photo and provides more information. I really recommend you do the same. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. 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. Foggy Morning Trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. Make sure you yield before crossing. A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. 6. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Although an experienced cyclist should be Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree Youll also pass several abandoned ghost towns, that lost their lifeblood after the trains stopped running. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. Using a road bike is not recommended. The park has bathrooms with running water. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark. Its essential to stay safe while using 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. 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