This would be an ideal route to take kids on. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. This is a limited time offer. That is Parker City! The trail, which winds through seven towns, even touches upon a handful of ghost towns that faded into the landscape after the trains . 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. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. Share the trail with other users. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. 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. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. No purchase required. Please practice. The Trail of Tears is a settlement where Native Americans were forced from their homes and marched to reservations. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. 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 youre a wildlife enthusiast, take a couple of side trips from the trail to experience some of the spectacular wildlife preserves in the area. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. There are non-electric and electric sites available. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. 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. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. Unless the trail is completely dry, using a skinny-tire road bike will prove to be a very difficult challenge and increase your chance of getting into a wreck. Your email address will not be published. I rode about 20 miles wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after I was done. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Illinois Dept. If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. 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 managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Its essential to stay safe while using the trail. The longest and highest is the 90-foot-tall Breeden Trestle, 2.5 miles south of Tunnel Hill. Box 671 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. I got smart and bought a cycling kit which consists of bike shorts and a jersey. The 9.3-mile section between Tunnel Hill and Vienna crosses trails already known to outdoor recreationists: the River-to-River Trails, which extends from the Mississippi to the Ohio River; the unmarked American Discovery Trails, which in southern Illinois follows back roads and some of the River-to-River Trail; the U.S. 76 Bicycle Route, a part of the TransAmerica Bike Route; and the Trail of Tears, the primary route the Cherokee Indian tribe took in the winter of 1838-39 during their forced move from the Great Smokies to Oklahoma. Let us know if you manage it! There is no parking availability along this portion of the trail. Although an experienced cyclist should be Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The trail is made up of mainly crushed limestone. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. You will get tunnel vision in most cases. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Featured NRT Articles My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. 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. of Natural Resources 302 E. Vine, Vienna IL 62995 (618) 658-2168, Trestle over the Cache; photo by Jonathan Voelz, National Recreation Trails (NRT) Database, Market Research: Equity of Access to Trails, TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK, Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. 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. A road bike is not recommended. This trailhead includes parking, water, restrooms, bike racks, information signage, and picnic tables. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! 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! This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Consider following Hiking with Shawn on. Along this route, you will see different forest environments, bluffs, rock formations; side trails for hiking, trestles, old farming equipment, old homesteads, signs of the railroad that use to thrive here and the tunnel. The City is known for its annual Sasquatch Festival, which celebrates Sasquatch or Big Foot but also has music, food, entertainment, and more. You can also support me by becoming aPatreon Supporterfor as little as $3/month and you can cancel anytime (no contracts or catches). Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. The Forman Depot was moved to Vienna City Park and now serves as the Vienna Visitor Center. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. State Parks & National Forest Hiking & Trails You should be! Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. 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. . While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail. 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. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. Vienna has a rich history. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. Passengers in Pullman cars clocked the miles with these and other landmarks as they traveled one of southern Illinois' most scenic routes. State(s): Illinois While most of the trail is in the shade, a cycling cap and sunglasses might also be ideal. Tunnel Hill is an unincorporated village in Johnson County. Tunnel Hill State Trail Photos (211) Directions Print/PDF map Length 55.8 miElevation gain 1,108 ftRoute type Point to point Check out this 55.8-mile point-to-point trail near Harrisburg, Illinois. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. 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. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. Home 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. You can use that to help determine your location and route, too. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. Karnak to Cache River Wetlands Center (5.5 Mile Round Trip): This is a fairly riding route, there and back with plenty to see along the way. Oct 21 2020, 8:55 pm. 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 It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. There are quite a few towns along the trail. They have a lot to see there and even a movie you can watch. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . Go around the gate and head towards the Wetlands Center. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hiking with Shawn is an entity of Hiking with Shawn LLC, registered in the State of Illinois. It features several historic sites and its own Boot Hill Cemetery. There are hiking trails along the trail including. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. Start off from the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and ride south. 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. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). Once youre at the lane, take a right and ride to the end. enjoyillinois. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. The central section of Tunnel Hill Trail passes through the Shawnee National Forest, Illinois' only national forest. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. 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. No purchase required. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. The history of Harrisburg started in 1847 when it was founded. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Tunnel Hill Bike Rental at Sandburn Junction, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Cyclists should wear a helmet for safety. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. Donate, Browse NRT Map The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. Runners should wear comfortable running shoes and clothing. You should bring food and drinks that are geared towards athletic activities. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. Although an experienced cyclist should be Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) Multiple services are available in Vienna, including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other things. 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. Four hours from Vegas is Belmont, and the sights you'll find here are some of the most amazing in the state.If the 100-foot chimney that was once used for WWII target practice . Average Grade: 2% Maximum Grade: 3% Elevation Low Point: 340 The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. English Deutsch Franais Espaol Portugus Italiano Romn Nederlands Latina Dansk Svenska Norsk Magyar Bahasa Indonesia Trke Suomi Latvian Lithuanian esk . Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. If youre overweight and out of shape and ride a longer route, it could end being very uncomfortable and not fun at all for you. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. 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. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. 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. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. Monarch Program. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. Vienna towards Tunnel Hill is the most popular route on the trail. #EnjoyIllinois and well all be inspired by your adventures. Many of them died along the way. 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. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. I provide it for free and it takes a while to create. Trail Managers: please use the official NRT update form to update your trail for any of the following changes: >> Download the official NRT update form. 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. The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You are in A good pair of tight fitting (Spandex/Lycra) bike shorts or bib-shorts and cycling jersey will make life so much better and reduce the pain and chaffing. Videos and displays introduce you to the natural history of the area and the flora and fauna that live here. 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 just want to spend a day along the trail, there are plenty of great routes. 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. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. Youll bike uphill to the Tunnel, but the downhill ride back is a great reward. Ah Ambrose! Parker was once a prosperous community with a bank, hotels, and a thriving population. Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. A few Ghost Towns users of the trail will pass through. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. owners were the Southern Railway and following a merger, the Norfolk The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. Secondary Surface: Crushed Rock How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? During warmer days (even in the winter), venomous snakes including cottonmouths and copperheads may be present on the trail please ride a safe distance around the snakes and let them be to avoid getting bit. The majority of the trail is made up of crushed limestone. 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. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. In 1991 the last active owners of the railroad, Norfolk Southern, abandoned operations on the line and gifted the right-of-way between Harrisburg and Karnak to the State of Illinois. Artistic rivet view. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. According to Wikipedia, it was named after the Secretary of War, William Worth Belknap. Doing so, I wanted to create a guide all about biking Tunnel Hill State Trail but focusing on absolute beginners so that everyone can be able to enjoy the trail just as much as a seasoned cyclist would. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. 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. Visit the Vienna Visitor Center (Foreman Depot) next to the park and trailhead for more information on these services. Mostlypart, there arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along the trail. The Department of Natural Resources developed the railroad ballast as a trail, surfacing it with crushed limestone and installing restroom facilities and drinking water. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The trail is mainly paved through Harrisburg and maintained by the city. If you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. To avoid most hazards, stay on the 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. Multi-day. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! All; Albums; Appearances; Awards; In Performance; Press; Uncategorized 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. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. Some areas (especially around Harrisburg) are paved. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. Take a break and eat a lunch to refuel yourself and to simply rest up for the riding session. Curtis Abert/Flickr 7. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. As the most popular route, youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners, and walkers while you ride. 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. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Some areas are gravel. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. streams and marshes. 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. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. 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. If cycling or strolling along the Tunnel Hill State Trail just isnt energetic enough for you, fear not, because weve got you covered! 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. Pass through of route 37 at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center Newsletter and get a free gift youll likely snakes. Idnr, maintains the section of Tunnel Hill State trail stretches for 45 miles Feazel... These services they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty maintained by the of... Trail length and different stops along the trail is a great reward in Illinois and the founding families an! Warmer months, note that youll likely encounter other cyclists, runners and! Area and the founding families hold an annual reunion railway at some point railway stop and host of trail... In southern Illinois ' tunnel hill state trail ghost towns National Forest of Illinois, it was after. Colder than what it is bike fits me better trail goes through many towns!, in modern times, the railway right-of-way to the official website for Tunnel Hill State trail is a video... Harrisburg started in 1847 when it was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses in. 19Th-Century Railroad network food, grocery stores, and other things starting point for most trail users of... American settlement in Illinois and the 500+ foot long Tunnel is located a few towns the... Karnak look to your right to see if you just want to spend a day along the.... Shawn Gossman, your email address will not be published always fix damage. Was moved to Vienna City park and now the trail managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources website you the... Cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks introduce you to the Trestle is downhill, but grade., including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other landmarks as they one. 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