The Tunnel Hill Trail is crossed by several major trails, including the River to River Trail; Illinois' southern route of the American Discovery Trail: the U.S. 76 bicycle Route, which is part of the TransAmerica Bike Route; the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Subscribe to the official Hiking with Shawn Newsletter and get a free gift! 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! Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. The foundation is best seen when the leaves are off the tree during the winter. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. Ive seen otters in some of these creeks! I update this map as I discover more information to put on it. The longest, Breeden Trestle, is also the highest at 90 feet. Your head and brain is worth protecting. There are plenty of opportunities for bikepacking or overnight hiking along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. This is a limited time offer. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. 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. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. How about when you are doing something that is related to fitness? There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. A well maintained and interesting area. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. There are a few potholes that you want to look out for. Home Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. This trailhead includes parking, water, restrooms, bike racks, information signage, and picnic tables. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. Some of the towns have services while others do not. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. 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. Width: 120 inches. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. 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. 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. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. These diverse habitats mean youre likely to encounter local wildlife. 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 Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. No purchase required. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. 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. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. 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. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. Yield to vehicle drivers. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. There is an adventure for everyone on Tunnel Hill State Trail. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. 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. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Although an experienced cyclist should be Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. They likely were abandoned after the railway operations started declining. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. I rode about 20 miles wearing regular clothing and my bottom was in some pretty serious pain after I was done. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. 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. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The history of Muddy is that the area was once used for settlement during the coal mining boom. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. That is Parker City! 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. There are quite a few towns along the trail. 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. Visit the Vienna Visitor Center (Foreman Depot) next to the park and trailhead for more information on these services. We hope you enjoy your stay. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. I rested at every bench I saw on the trail the first many times I went biking at Tunnel Hill and even now, I still rest from time to time and I consider myself a fairly seasoned cyclist. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. 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. Please practice. 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. Fame is a fickle mistress. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. Make sure you plan correctly before doing these routes. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. Dangerous conditions exist within this area. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. Telegraph Artifact. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. Parker was once a prosperous community with a bank, hotels, and a thriving population. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. This is a limited time offer. There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. 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. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. Continue through the tunnel until shortly reaching Sandburn Junction, an old general store turned into a trail store. Nearly 2,000 people are actively posting on the group. . The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The general store is an old building once used during the railroad days. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. However, little known information is available about these ghost towns history. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. Enjoy these photos taken around this area! As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. In the end, use common sense and always put safety first. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. 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. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. Stonefort is another village along the trail located in Saline and Williamson counties. There is a small church located on Heron Pond Lane that has been reopened for services. It is mainly uphill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill and begins to go downhill from Tunnel Hill towards Harrisburg. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . Hikers and horseback riders may cross the trail. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. If you use the trail in summer, watch out for snakes warming themselves in the sun. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. Before setting out to ride the trail, consider the riding conditions of the trail for the day you plan to be biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Illinois 200 I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. Winner 2022 NRT Photo Contest, Winter Trails. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. Search by Trail Type, NRT Home Page Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. Home Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. It also connects to several other trails including the American Discovery Trail, US Bicycle Route 76, River to River Trail, and the . After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! Dont try to hit the animal. Using Tunnel Hill Trail is pretty straightforward. 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. The ride will be at just about 20 miles as a round trip. These are some of the applications Ive used and recommend you to use, too. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. Much of the trail isnt lit up after dark. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. 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. But if youre looking for maps, the best apps to use, and other resources for the trail keep reading this section for more information. 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. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. 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. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. There are also creeks and the Cache River that you can look at to see other wildlife. A budget of at least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15.. Towards the Center and look around, they make a baggier option for folks who are about... Are a few potholes that you want to look out for snakes warming themselves in the sun name, walkers! 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