Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Yield to vehicle drivers. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. The Tunnel Hill HQ is usually open during the daylight hours through the week and sometimes during the weekend. There are quite a few towns along the trail. The total distance, including Eldorado, is 58 miles. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. Starting at Vienna City Park, head north on the trail and stop at the Tunnel Hill Trailhead when youre ready to turn around and come back. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. Vienna to Karnak (Short Trip): (21-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Vienna to gain permission for overnight parking. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. Stop by for bike rentals, snacks, water and even ice cream. Its also home to one or two mosquitos, so dont forget your bug spray. The Eldorado extension is 4.2-miles from the additional trail. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. Your email address will not be published. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the National Recreation trail. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. Apply for designation 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. Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. 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. Retail stores that also carry bikes are not always the best for putting the bikes together and being knowledgeable about cyclist needs. Some apps require you to pay to download a map for use in areas without cell phone reception. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. Howdy folks! The trail was completed in the fall of 2001. 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. There is a bench for resting and an information sign. Forman became the intersection of the CB and Q Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad, and passengers waiting to change trains often stayed overnight. 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. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. 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. About Tunnels aren't only man-made along Tunnel Hill State Trail. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. 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. 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. Motor vehicles are never allowed on the trail. 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. Exercise and fitness has to be fun or it failed for most of us trust me, I was at that point a few times. The bike path was once railroad tracks which to me constitutes their paths as rail trails. You are in State Parks & National Forest The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. Each spring and fall, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with other agencies and organizations, sponsors a bike ride on the trail. In the 1990s, the railway diminished in operation and was handed over to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which turned it into a rail trail. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. When biking Tunnel Hill State Trail as a beginner, the most important thing to remember is that it shouldnt be a race. Hikers and horseback riders may cross the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! There is a campground located in Karnak right off the trail. Oct 21 2020, 8:55 pm. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. The ride will be at just about 20 miles as a round trip. I personally use a mountain bike with 29 inch tires. 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. 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. Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. You are in 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. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. 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. I recommend you get the premium version for that reason. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. It also connects to several other trails including the American Discovery Trail, US Bicycle Route 76, River to River Trail, and the . Natures embellishment. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. 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. 6. Biking From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. That is Parker City! Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted Foggy Morning Trail. 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. Continue on for another couple of miles enjoying the views of bluffs, hardwood forests, pine plantations and smaller trestles along the way. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. Just dont feel you need to pack everything on your ride because the more weight you have to carry, the harder it will be to ride! 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. 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! Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. 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. Youll bike uphill to the Tunnel, but the downhill ride back is a great reward. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. . There are some spots where gravel has been used to repair erosion. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to All Trails. Width: 120 inches. 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 railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. If you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially if you are new to cycling. 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 park has bathrooms with running water. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! Along the way, enjoy forests and bluffs and scenic environments. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. . Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! The trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. The history of this community was active during the railroad day in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. The village owns a campground along the trail where users can stay (for a fee). 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. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. Along the Ghost Town . 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. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. Counties: Saline, Williamson, Johnson, Pulaski On this Ghost Town Exploration, I explore a portion of Parker City, Illinois with some old foundations and other items present. The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. Pack a couple of water bottles and consider a hydration backpack to carry extra water, snacks and stuff like that. 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. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years . Find out what's on in Illinois and Chicago with your guide to events, festivals, markets, music, theater, sports and more. For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. You will need to eat and drink right while on the trail. Trestle over the Cache. 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 you ride this route during the warmer months, note that youll likely see snakes along the way. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. Some of the towns have services while others do not. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. Today, Tunnel Hill Trail is enjoyed by cyclists, runners, and walkers worldwide. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. State(s): Illinois Belknap is a small village located along the trail. Vienna has a rich history. Although an experienced cyclist should be able to travel the complete trail in about a day, hikers are advised that the trail does not have camping facilities. Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. 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 Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. tunnel hill state trail ghost towns. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. You can always fix your hair but you cant always fix brain damage. Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. Muddy is an unincorporated community located north of Harrisburg along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. 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. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. of Natural Resources P.O. Major sporting events even take place on the trail. The trail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. 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 bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Fall along southern trail segment. Cyclists should wear a helmet for safety. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Thanks again for checking out another one of my articles and until next time, Ill see you on the trail! If you choose to ride on a colder day, wind created from riding might make it feel colder than what it is. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. So, I would mainly use this to explore state and federal public land off the trail. These diverse habitats mean youre likely to encounter local wildlife. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. You might also join mySouthern Illinois Hiking & Outdoor Resources Groupon Facebook, too! Share the trail with other users. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. 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. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. 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 . As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. Whether you split the trip up over a couple days or do it in one, you have to do the entirety of the trail. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Eventually you will reach Breeden Trestle which is the best bridge on the whole trail. The city, not IDNR, maintains the section of the trail that runs through Harrisburg. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. 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