Map of the Tunnel Hill State Trail

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Tunnel Hill State Trail

Tunnel Hills State Trail Illinois map area

Tunnel Hill State Trail

LENGTH:

53.4 miles

SURFACE:

unpaved

COMMUNITIES:

Eldorado, Warson, Muddy, Harrisburg, Ledford, Carrier Mills, Stonefort, New Burnside, Tunnel Hill, Bloomfield, Vienna, Belkamp, Karnak

HIGHLIGHTS:

rail trail, farmland, woodlands, hills, wetlands, 543' tunnel, Breeden Trestle

RELATED LINKS:

Regional Trails

The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 53.4-mile long unpaved trail located in Southern Illinois. The route of the trail spans from Eldorado to Highway 37, between Cypress and New Grand Chain. The trail was constructed along an abandoned railroad right-of-way and travels through wide open farmland, through thickly forested areas and over lush wetlands. There is plenty of wildlife and other natural features to see along the route.

The trail was named for the 543-foot long tunnel that is located 1/4 mile south of the community of Tunnel Hill. It is the only tunnel along the route. The grades of the trail are fairly flat and the surface is that of compacted crushed limestone. There are 23 trestle bridges along the trail that cross the many creeks.. Most of the bridges are fairly short, with the Breeden Trestle being the longest and highest at 90' above the water.

Conditions

The Tunnel Hill State Trail is unpaved for its entire route. The trail is open for non-motorized uses such at bike riding and hiking. Horses are not allowed on the trail.

Communities

The Tunnel Hill State Trail goes through or nearby to the following Southern Illinois communities: Eldorado, Warson, Muddy, Harrisburg, Ledford, Carrier Mills, Stonefort, New Burnside, Tunnel Hill, Bloomfield, Vienna, Belkamp and Karnak.

Points of Interest

The Tunnel Hill State Trail goes by the following landmarks and other points of interest:

Shawnee National Forest U.S. Forest Service
Breeden Trestle
543' long tunnel at Tunnel Hill
Little Cache Number 1 Reservoir
Cave Creek Glade Nature Preserve
Section Eight Woods Nature Preserve
Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center
End Points

The northeast end of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located at Trolley Road just north of Highway 45 on the southwest side of the community of Eldorado. There is a trailhead at this location, but no restroom facilities.

The southwest end of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center off of Highway 37 near the intersection with Perks Road.

Resources

Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois.