The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. When the mines and railroad diminished, the town was abandoned and remained a Ghost Town. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. I like to ride it when I want a long bike ride exercise trip. For food, bring items that dont need refrigeration such as jerkies, crackers and cheese, health bars, fig bars, dried fruit and trail mix. 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. of Natural Resources P.O. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. You should bring food and drinks that are geared towards athletic activities. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. The closest bike shops to the trail are The Bike Surgeon in Carterville, Illinois, and Bike World in Paducah, Kentucky. 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. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. The trail goes through many ghost towns such as Forman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. This would be an ideal route to take kids on. The tunnel is 543 feet longlong enough to plunge yourself into total darkness! Forman became the intersection of the CB and Q Railroad and the Penn Central Railroad, and passengers waiting to change trains often stayed overnight. The Eldorado extension is 4.2-miles from the additional trail. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. 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. Abandoned church in Alberta (Shutterstock) They may not officially be haunted, but the eerie silence of Alberta's ghost towns is still enough to make the skin crawl. Some additional resources to the Tunnel Hill State Trail are available. 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. Hikers should wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots. One lesson that I learn the first time cycling after not being on the bike for over 10 years was that my body wasnt used to a bicycle like it was back when I was back a kid. The site office is in Vienna in a former railroad station, which includes interpretive displays and other information. Karnak to Harrisburg (Century Ride): (100-Mile Round Trip) If youre looking to do a Century Ride (100 miles), this is the route for you. Trail Management: In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. The majority of the trail is made up of crushed limestone. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. Cabin rental near Cedar Lake, horse campground, tack store and outdoor recreation. 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! Mosquitoes can be bad during the warmer months bring plenty of bug spray. 23 trestle bridges along the trail provide great spots to stop for a break and enjoy the panoramic views out over the countryside. Yield to vehicle drivers. Your email address will not be published. Be sure to subscribe to myYouTube Channelto see my latest videos, shorts and live streams. This is a limited time offer. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Pack a couple of water bottles and consider a hydration backpack to carry extra water, snacks and stuff like that. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. For more information and current conditions, contact the trail manager (listed below). Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. It crosses the River to River State Trail, which could be used for dispersed camping outside of recreational and natural area designations. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. The Tunnel Hill State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. Message us on Facebook with your tales or photos of exploring the ghost town of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. Wallace, Idaho. At about 4.4 miles, youll reach the bench and sign on your left right before a bridge. I got smart and bought a cycling kit which consists of bike shorts and a jersey. The privately owned Shawnee Forest Campground is located near the trail in Vienna. Parking is available in Muddy, but there are no other features for trail users. The trail supposedly is closed during night time hours but a good bike light should be installed on the bike in case you are on the trail in the dark as there are very little lights along the trail and at intersections with roads. . Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Water boil orders or maintenance may restrict their use. Known as the Road to Nowhere, its fascinating story involves an underwater ghost town called Judson that rests beneath the nearby Lake Fontana. All Trails is trusted and, for the most part, reasonably accurate. Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. Along this route, you will see different forest environments, bluffs, rock formations; side trails for hiking, trestles, old farming equipment, old homesteads, signs of the railroad that use to thrive here and the tunnel. Bicycling (on pavement)CampingDogs - On leashPedestrian - Walking/Hiking/RunningRoller/Inline Skating, Location: Counties of Saline, Williamson, Johnson, and Pulaski com/explore/listing/tunnel-hill-state-trail] is a spectacular route for you. 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. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. World record set here twice!. 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. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Only ride, hike, or run the amount in which youre physically able to do. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. The water fountains at each trailhead are not guaranteed to be turned on. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Viewers of Hiking with Shawn should never perform risky activities and should watch these videos at their own risk. 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. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail besides crossing it while on the River to River Trail. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. (Remember to bring bike lights.) ILLINOIS' TUNNEL HILL STATE TRAIL. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. Natures embellishment. Hiking with Shawn provides videos for entertainment purposes only. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. Make sure you yield before crossing. Shawn is the founder and host of the YouTube Channel. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). While most of the trail is in the shade, a cycling cap and sunglasses might also be ideal. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. OnXHunt This app is a premium app that is good for exploring public land boundaries. 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. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. 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. I always consider the fact that I will likely sweat more and feel hotter than what it is like outside. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. Harrisburg is the county seat of Saline County. The town gave relief efforts during the Flood of 1937. Some foundations are visible on a bench next to a sign with no information. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. No matter where you are on the trail, if an emergency occurs call 911. 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, A Ride Along Tunnel Hill State Trail in Southern Illinois, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, has been discussion of plans to open it as a State Historic Site, first coal-fired iron furnace in Illinois, a moving article about returning to New Castle to explore the site of her mothers childhood home, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). Tunnel Hill State Trail - Vienna City Park Bridge (Johnson County, Illinois) Built 1906 by the King Bridge Co. Pony plate girder bridge on the Tunnel Hill State Trail . The longer the adventure, the more planning will be needed to make the journey successful. Each trailhead for Tunnel Hill Trail also displays a map with historical and trail information on its sign kiosk. Dont block the trail move over if someone else is coming at you or needs to pass. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. If you want to break your adventure on the Tunnel Hill Trail, here you can even stay at one of their lakefront cabins. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. 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. If you cant make these repairs, other cyclists on the trail might be able to as long as you have the tools. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Your email address will not be published. The Trail of Tears is a settlement where Native Americans were forced from their homes and marched to reservations. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. The trailhead and the 1.5-mile easy Heron Pond hike are at the end of the road. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. 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. The newsletter is free, sent once a month, and contains exclusive articles, tips, offers, contests, and upcomig events that you won't find anywhere else. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. During warmer days (even in the winter), venomous snakes including cottonmouths and copperheads may be present on the trail please ride a safe distance around the snakes and let them be to avoid getting bit. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. It is high up and has a wonderful view. 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. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. Whether you bike, hike, or run the trail, dont forget to share your stories, your snaps, and your top tips with us on the Enjoy Illinois Facebook page. In its heyday Forman was similar in size to Parker City, and the two towns declined at the same time, dying with the departure of the railroad. Cyclists should bring plenty of water and snacks. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. All other edits can be submitted via the below form: The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! Helpful NRT contacts. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. Forman was located around Heron Pond Lane, which the trail crosses. At its peak the town had a population of nearly 300, with 40 houses, hotels, stores, a post office, places to eat, and two barbershops. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! Benefits of designation 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree 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. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. The information signage at the trailhead shows a past photo and provides more information. Please practice. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. Most of the trail is shaded, but some canopy areas are open bring plenty of sunblock. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. But it is a combination of the two names, Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read, who were the towns founders. If it has rained on the trail, the crushed limestone surface is going to be soft and harder to ride on. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Deer and other wildlife are common along the trail. I'll be including more guides and resources in that newsletter only so be sure to subscribe! There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. The park has bathrooms with running water. 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. I would consider bringing sports-drinks like Gatorade or just plain water for hydration. There are not many restaurants along the way in the smaller communities that the trail passes through and while some trailheads have drinkable water, these systems are not always reliable or turned on. Starting from Harrisburg, you could do a much longer overnight bikepacking (or hiking) adventure nearly 100 miles in length. Elevation High Point: 680 The trail passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest. According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. I spend a lot of money on Hiking with Shawn and because of extremely high public land permit fees, I make very little money in return so everything helps. The tail is managed by Illinois Department of Natural Resources with an additional 2.5 miles is managed by the City of Harrisburg. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. Your railway has been and gone, but your muttonchops live on. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. Dont make it a competition until you are physically and athletically ready to compete against your previous rides. Curtis Abert/Flickr 7. Go around the gate and head towards the Wetlands Center. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. 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 Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. 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