The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. 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. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Whether youre a beginner to advance cyclist, a runner, a hiker, or just want to walk with the kids or your pets this trail was made for you to enjoy. ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. Vienna finish line for the 50/100 run. Lets examine some of the trails most common questions and answers. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Harrisburg to New Burnside: (36-Mile Round) This route is like the Harrisburg to Stonefort Route above, but it adds some additional mileage. The trail has an elevation gain of 1,108-foot according to All Trails. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. The Tunnel Hill HQ is usually open during the daylight hours through the week and sometimes during the weekend. The shorts should include a chamois which is a pad that reduced chaffing and friction while riding. 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. The village was named after Karnak of Egypt, as many other areas around Southern Illinois are known as Little Egypt. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. EN. I highly recommend that you take advantage of the many benches along the trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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. / 34.04194N 117.36389W / 34.04194; -117.36389. The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. Designations by Year I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. 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. Benefits of designation The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. Thats 100 miles! Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. However, in modern times, the City appears to be doing well. My perfect riding conditions are a relatively dry couple of days, mostly sunny with temperature in the high 70s to low 80s and light wind. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. 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. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. Wallace, Idaho. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. Artistic rivet view. I got smart and bought a cycling kit which consists of bike shorts and a jersey. A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois. The ride to the trestle is downhill, but the grade isnt too strenuous. Breeden Trestle. The history of Muddy is that the area was once used for settlement during the coal mining boom. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. I update this map as I discover more information to put on it. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. The Tunnel Hill State Trail, which was begun by General Ambrose Burnside in the late 1800s, is a Civil War-era relic. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. enjoyillinois. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Poison ivy and ticks occur off the trail. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Lakeview is the oldest African American settlement in Illinois and the founding families hold an annual reunion. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. 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. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. Eventually you will reach Breeden Trestle which is the best bridge on the whole trail. It was named after Ambrose Burnside, who was a Civil War general. Southern Branch Bridge. 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. 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. 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. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Make sure you yield before crossing. I have no issues with this other than the bike being heavier than other types of bikes. 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. Most trailheads are in small communities that do not offer shopping locations. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. Hunting is not allowed on Tunnel Hill State Trail, but properties around the trail may have hunters during hunting season. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! 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. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Although an experienced cyclist should be In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. 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. 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. Southern Railroad. 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. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. The bikes are hybrid-style, and most have reflectors and baskets. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. A side trip to the Wetland Center and the end of the Harrisburg trail portion should get you 100 miles if you require it. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. Major sporting events even take place on the trail. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. On this Ghost Town Exploration, I explore a portion of Parker City, Illinois with some old foundations and other items present. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Fall along southern trail segment. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. 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. It was named for John Alexander Harris, a local farmer who farmed and lived around where the city square is now located. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. 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. Natures embellishment. There are many different applications available for smartphones on this trail. Illinois 200 Relax in a peaceful country setting, take a nature hike, fish and enjoy friendly country hospitality Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. 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. 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. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. These plans include the best routes, lodging, dining, shopping, and sightseeing along the way you plan to visit. Are you a member of the Tunnel Hill Facebook Group? Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. Trail Management: All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. 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. War General of 1,108-foot according to All trails care of you use caution bodies. Not allowed along the way to stop for a break and enjoy the views! 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