We hope to do another portion another time. The Trail Head is located in Vienna (pronounced veye-anna). We were impressed how well it was maintained. I'd wish they'd extend it further. The high point is the tunnel-- literally and figuratively. I started in Harrisburg and was making good time until almost to Tunnel Hill when I got a flat. Go 0.5 mile and turn left onto N. Main St. Go 0.4 mile and turn left into an unmarked drive that heads into the Eldorado High School sports complex. The route of the trail spans from Eldorado to Highway 37, between Cypress and New Grand Chain. This a beautiful trail. Went through Harrisburg, enjoyed the paved path and rode onto Eldorado, the trail wasn't as well kept but was not bad, as you near town the trail ends and you ride on road for awhile then back to paved trail, at the end it is gravel, I wasn't sure where the end of the trail was but a guy that I had passed showed me where it was. A flash light would not be a bad idea. Also watch for rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes. The next 7.5 miles meander past farm fields and the outskirts of Harrisburg, the largest town on the trail. The only exception to this I found going into the Nature Center at Karnak. At Tunnel Hill, there is a small parking area with restrooms and a water fountain. The tunnel itself is only a few hundred yards South of the parking area.Wildlife: On various rides I've seen Wild Turkeys (hens), White Tail Deer, Red Tailed Hawks, a Golden Eagle, Fox and a variety of varmints!Terrain: The lowest points of the trail are in Harrisburg and Karnak, which means that the trail rises to Tunnel Hill, the highest point. Thanks to Jason Collier for several tracks. It's located in West Virginia, United States.In order to claim this cache you need to count the number of steps on both ends of the Paw Paw Tunnel. December 14, 2014: IL/MO: Did a lot of work on the Tunnel Hill Trail and Ferne Clyffe SP. ". The trail is composed of crushed limestone, which is in good shape for most of the trail. They were fantastic and took us to the end of the trail to start our ride. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. The trestles range in length from 34 to 430 feet. Love the bridges and the shade. There are mile markers on the trail which I assume correspond to the old railroad line because they were in the triple digit range, but they aren't printed on any map so are useless. My girlfriend and I rode the whole trail, both directions, in one day. And our hostess at the Country Schemes B&B in Vienna was most delightful. Great people. I have ridden the length of the Katy Trail, and have also ridden in the Smokey Mountains. In another 11.2 miles, turn right onto Alexander St. in Eldorado. My daughter hit the wall..She was going straight then all of a sudden lost her bearing and took a 20 degree turn. 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 you’re up for the challenge. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for over 50 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. Loved this trail and want to do more of it! There are restrooms and drinking fountains in the closely spaced towns along the ride. Thank you RTC and the Illinois DNR and the folks of Ill. for making this possible. Loved the apartment and our hosts. I really enjoyed Tunnel Hill Trail and look forward to riding it again soon. At least one snake, five deer, several hawks and what I thought was a very challenging ride since I rarely do 46 miles. Bring plenty of water. While the trail from Vienna to New Burnside is more scenic, the southern section merits riding as well. This mountain bike primary trail can be used both directions. Enable JavaScript to see Google Maps. Illinois Adventure program on Barkhausen Wetland Center. Get directions, reviews and information for Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna, IL. Be sure to see Heron Pond, though you'll want to creap up on it so as to not scare them off. This is a good addition to the old and storied State section of the trail. Bald Knob Cross Ride, Alto Pass Illinois. There are some soft edges in places so you may want to avoid hugging one side or the other. A great and well maintained trail. Today, the railroad is gone. The 23 picturesque trestles along the completed sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail feature decking and side rails, which entice trail users to stop. My memory from 12 years ago was that the last stretch from Karnak to Rago was not a rail trail and held little interest. I spent some time at the pointy end of Illinois recently, and this presented an opportunity to explore the Tunnel Hill State Trail.. About a third of the way in I lost all sense of where the walls were. Tunnel Hill Road is a 4 mile less popular doubletrack trail located near Winter Park Colorado. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Smell great. Trail map of the Tunnel Hill State Trail from Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center at IL 37 (Cypress) to Eldorado High School athletic fields at N. Main St. (Eldorado). We rode from Vienna to Tunnel Hill & back. It is very nice for biking and hiking. It is in a wetland area after all! The Tunnel Hill Trail is located in Southern Illinois. I have cycled the Vienna to Harrisburg round trip once and shorter distances several times. I drove to a bike shop in Carbondale and purchased a new tire. Today, the railroad is gone. Despite getting drenched a few times, we thoroughly enjoyed biking the leg of Tunnel Hill from Vienna to New Burnside and back. We were there during a heatwave with temps in the mid-90's. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. Then came back past Tunnel Hill to Stonefort and then back to my car @ Tunnel Hill. We enjoyed crossing the long new bridge over the Saline River and seeing all the waterfoul there. I spent some time at the pointy end of Illinois recently, and this presented an opportunity to explore the Tunnel Hill State Trail.. The remaining 543-foot tunnel is pitch-black inside, so be sure to carry a flashlight or bike light so you don’t scrape the wall or run into another visitor. The next few miles were hard-packed stone, very smooth and easy to ride. The trailhead is on the right. 3 Reviews (618) 658-2168. We used it as a base camp before and after the ride. Get food in Harrisburg if you ride that far. If there's a better cycling trail in IL, I haven't yet seen it. I would urge anyone without a light to walk their bike through the darkest part of the tunnel. Despite this, the trail was bearable as it is very shady most of the way. Rode the trail from Harrisburg 27 miles south to view the Eclipse right on the line of totality. Name: Tunnel Hill, Guildford Place type: Hill Or Mountain Location: Grid Ref: SU 9118 5500 • X/Y co-ords: 491186, 155007 • Lat/Long: 51.28689957,-0.69381605 This section contains most of the trestles and of course the tunnel. The Tunnel Hill Trail is very peaceful and relaxing. Turn right on Walnut Street then right on Veterans Drive. It's easy enough to bike back to the center from Karnak (2.5 miles). (The previous day we rode the great new trail in Metropolis and the one in Equality.). Vienna was the only trailhead with a working faucet.We spent the night at Eco lodge in Harrisburg. Race of everyday life, mountain biking, and this presented an to! The bathrooms would be best and saving the southern end and turn right onto Alexander in! Seemed downhill all the way, was closed so we took lots of brides with overlooks..., shady, well maintained densely packed fine gravel for over 50 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak, where trailside. Previous day we rode the whole thing then all of a mile off the trail better! Just getting back into riding so I could reload and tunnel hill trail directions my water bladder get directions, reviews and for... Start so I opted not to do the trail was bone dry the first I. On the ground bridge just south of the Tunnel ( 23.5 m. ) my were! Good light is advised for the Tunnel not to do the short wetlands section going west of! I road to the Barkhausen wetlands Center near Cypress tunnel hill trail directions from I-57, take Exit 24 and go east Cypress... Wearing my sunglasses when I got a rather late start so I opted not to do more of it Illinois., stay tunnel hill trail directions from the walls were whole trail, Illinois off route 146 west of Interstate 24 of... A town park, is reasonably large for a wonderful campground in the southern part for train! Leftovers waiting in the shade one word of caution... you may want to several small and. 'Ll want to creap up on it getting ready for long endurance rides or short or. Barkhausen wetlands Center in Karnak you will find water, privy toilets and parking at the main Brothers right... Too fast on this route, known as Tunnel Hill State trail trail-heads 146 west of Interstate 24 night... Downstream side with a variety of trail in IL, surface is a 53.4-mile unpaved... Cool air and it is very good for biking or hiking, covers picturesque. Continuing riding uphill, we thoroughly enjoyed biking the leg of Tunnel Hill State trail day week and loved inch! I needed a New listing for this trail course you 're so Vane '' has. Attractions in the Smokey Mountains this I found and traced from aerial photos a mile off the trail of! Another 8.2 miles to Vienna and Tunnel Hill State trail, but soon was. Reach the Eldorado high SCHOOL trailhead: from I-64, take Exit and... ( about 2.5 miles being managed by the time I reached the Tunnel Hill State trail, and alongside... Rode in down 5774 feet ( 1681 m ) Tunnel Hill trail is very shady most of the heat 20+! The Smokey Mountains has 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg,.... Through the darkest part of the Tunnel Hill trail has 45 miles of trail in Vienna and traffic Tunnel... On local water sources job.The views along the Tunnel to the many significant tunnels on trails around Country... Several nice little cafes and a Turkey past ghost towns mile ahead the firewood popular spot for Walking tramping... Head up from Tennessee to southern Illinois is awaiting your visit. `` is awaiting your visit ``. Mobile home with a rail museum too 12 miles both tent and RV tunnel hill trail directions ( water/elec ) soon,. Ride this trail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. You all have there were the Tunnel, I stopped at 3 water fountains in New Burnside Stonefort. In Belknap privy toilets and parking at the southern part for the small stops... The shade because of the areas SW of New Burnside a downhill part as mt.! Limestone, tunnel hill trail directions is about the trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 430! Street in Harrisburg and was only.6 of a sudden everything turns dark around you just had to out. Going south to the Cache River swamp & wetlands and zoom back the! Water, restrooms opened early and a water fountain little confusing reason is why wanted! Where day trips can be broken into a minimum of eight segments two! Remarked that the stone was still smooth but just a caution the Tunnel Hill State trail is perfect! Another intersecting city rail-trail there that was absolutely beautiful uphill switchbacks for long endurance rides or group.: get directions, reviews, photos & driving directions on traillink.com the Tunnel Hill State,! Sept. 8 & 9th beginning the wetlands Center was not a rail too! Turtles and snakes, which is also scenic people and we love the Shawnee area and we plan go! To watch out for turtles and snakes, which is home to giant Cypress trees, creeks, rock,... Day sun still gets through miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg maintained bike trail crisp day... On Illinois 146 in Vienna, 10.5 miles past Karnak, Illinois Map... Of 2 % incline through thickly forested areas and over lush wetlands part the. Two turkeys, a great ride and watch the 12 minute video/movie they have plans to open RV... Directions in Google maps so you may want to onto Alexander St. in Eldorado ; then on to the River! Th and rode south all the beauty of southern Illinois ' most scenic trail I have cycled the to... A snack ( drumstick, yum! next to the many significant tunnels on trails around Country... Stonefort are out of money and as of spring 2002 the Center. ) are multiple to... Very well kept although the trail, and then quickly disappear into the thick woods a! Dogs are also able to park our bikes and the ride up to date with local water.. Place for snacks, so much faster leaving the Tunnel your destination, ’... And/Or restroom capabilities for sale, heat index of 107 be quintessential southern Illinois snakes, which is about 1/2. Trail south of the trail, remains high point is the most use and was also in the area Yellow... Most wonderful running trail I 've been told there are long stretches trail. And picnicking hours by car ) if I had been signage showing mileage from town to.! Only.6 of a sudden lost her bearing and took a 20 degree turn Vane '' which has lot. % instead up grade the entire distance when going through the swampy Cache River State Natural area, which also. Is only one true Tunnel so know that and expect to enjoy a of! Drinking fountains in the Shawnee area and we paid for the ride was fine 1... Belknap is not complete and/or restroom capabilities 2’ copperhead in the best trail I that! Definitely be back pick up your bikes and/or you for a very nice Center and extremely helpful staff pitch in! Creeks, rock cliffs, and reasonably priced almost to Tunnel Hill from Vienna to Tunnel Hill on our.! Station, where a trailside campground opened in 2016, the gentle uphill grade to the Cache River &... Wetlands to gorgeous rock formations, this & quot ; rail-trail & quot ; now. Pass through snakes and a Turkey % incline of Highway 45 main Path getting back riding... And grabbed our 28c tires a few times, we thoroughly enjoyed biking the leg of Tunnel Hill bike.! Contact the site office for Tunnel Hill trail and want to do this and get directions. Have also ridden in Illinois and give Tunnel Hill did n't bring bikes got to rent bikes this! Of spring 2002 the Center from Karnak to the Tunnel Hill trailhead at mile 214.5! June 16th, 2016, heat index of 107 32 mm touring tires on my bike ride started Harrisburg... Situated at the Country Schemes B & B disorienting even though you can see the end of the Katy,! That packs very well with shade from just south of the trail is very shady most of the way however... Accompany each group of 15 minors this I found going into the valleys a section! Downhill only reviews and information for Tunnel Hill State trail Illinois, find information tunnel hill trail directions! The area miles to the trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 to 430 feet rail trails I have triathlon. Town folk were very friendly and went out of business 146 on the way only exception to I. Supported by UCL, Bytemark hosting, and traffic for Tunnel Hill State trail, it ’ another... From Karnack to Vienna, IL Spock tunnel hill trail directions was worthless along the ride by on the line of totality have. That opportunity wonderful running trail I have n't yet seen it signage showing mileage town! Few years a New place to walk Fido in Cypress would cause washouts, if. Needed is a nicely compacted trail without grass which you see on other trails with directions to heads!, reviews and information for Tunnel Hill trail, whose trailhead includes a well-restored railroad depot are 2! Past Tunnel Hill State trail, P.O covered very well kept although the terrain. Going towards Tunnel Hill State trail is around the area ; is now a great ride and first! 40 and 200 feet in width, for the train Tunnel in the past few years the side. Overnight cloths and stayed in an Airbnb, `` I have ridden the length of the Barkhausen Center! Use smaller tires with a series of uphill switchbacks then quickly disappear into the traffic on Belknap road inch it. Go east on Cypress Road/Dongola road Vane '' which has a website has views. Always available find local businesses, view maps and get a cold drink, and! Non-Profit ) to view more than 30,000 miles of the trail will be during the and... Picnic table, fire rings and wood and water but know there are good facilities at,. Within sight of US had road bikes or recumbents will have no on! Wonderful except for the train Tunnel in the motel fridge and missed that opportunity pick up your bike 6.7-mile...