No purchase required. Featured NRT Articles There isnt much historical information about this post office. The information signage at the trailhead shows a past photo and provides more information. It features several historic sites and its own Boot Hill Cemetery. Reviews from cyclists and hikers mention wild turkey, quail, whitetail deer, lizards, turtles, and frogs. Step back in time to the golden age of train travel and settle in for a peaceful ride to discover some of Illinois most charming towns and hidden treasures. Tunnel Hill State Trail. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. Although an experienced cyclist should be But it is a combination of the two names, Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read, who were the towns founders. Several campgrounds are located nearby. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parring in access areas. 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. You do however need something that is put together correctly. Using a road bike is not recommended. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. Share the trail with other users. Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. The NRT Database is a free service provided by American Trails (a non-profit) and we need your support! All Trails This is another excellent application for smartphone use. 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. The only service in Tunnel Hill is Sandburn Junction, accessed from a gravel road or the trail going south after the tunnel. There are many features at this trailhead. There are plenty of benches along the way to stop and rest at. Now before you think Im going to tell you to buy a $10,000.00 bicycle, dont worry, Im not! Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. Search by Trail Type, NRT Home Page The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. Whats the Best Part of Shawnee National Forest? Trailside art along the Saline County paved section of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. The only service located in Karnak is a Dollar General Store. After youre done, head back and enjoy the uphill exercise you will get. This route is the best for beginner cyclists and those with young children. Other cycling gear to consider when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail should be on your list as well. 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. Home Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. 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. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. Consider having a budget of at least $300 to $1,200 for a good bike that will last for a very long time. Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Bill Reynolds Site Superintendent Illinois Dept. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. For questions, suggestions, and corrections to information listed on the website, contact American Trails. Midway, Tunnel Hill marks the highest point of the trail at 680 feet above sea level. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, Some areas are gravel. In less than an eighth of a mile, you will pass through the Tunnel which is the tunnel that gave the trail its name. Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Inclusive Construction and Development Archive (CICADA). After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. All wildlife is protected under state law along this trail. Parker City (or commonly just Parker) was located between Tunnel Hill and New Burnside. Gasoline-powered bicycles or homemade eBikes are prohibited from using the trail. 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. They also sell t-shirts and cool stuff like that as well. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. This is a limited time offer. Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. 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 . South of New Burnside youll come on a railroad pier shelter marked Parker City. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. If you prefer a paper-style map, a generic one is available from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. You should be! Monarch Program. 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 State Trail only exists because of the rise and fall of Americas mighty 19th-century railroad network. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. A light is needed for traveling on the trail after dark. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. 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. On this ride, youll see everything: the tunnel, Breeden Trestle, other trestles, bridges, waterfall cascades, Sandburn Junction, railroad items left behind, old home sites, and plenty of bluffage, too! This is a shorter bikepacking or overnight hiking route that is a little more than 10 miles a day. Equestrians are prohibited from using the trail besides crossing it while on the River to River Trail. Vienna is the most popular trailhead of the entire trail and often the starting point for most trail users. This village was established in 1905 when the post office was created. Bicycle Rentals and Repairs on the Tunnel Hill State Trail. But I enjoyed this route myself. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. I would recommend you at least do this route once. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is being used to monitor the bike rental area. 6. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. So enjoy this free guide and please share it with others if you would like to see more guides like this one published on this website. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. Parks Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. The railway transported coal and locally grown fruit from orchards around the area. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Thats 100 miles! Remember, take only memories, leave only footprints. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. Wetland Center 5K: (3.5-Mile Round Trip) This lovely 5K run starts from the Wetland Center and goes back to the Karnak Trailhead. 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. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. Yield to vehicle drivers. Your email address will not be published. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a state park in Vienna, Illinois. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! A road bike is not recommended. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? 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. 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. Knowing these towns and their services is essential when planning to visit the trail. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. Muddy was an exciting spot with one of the smallest post offices in the country, and the Eldorado trails are excellent (and paved). Make sure you bring plenty of bug spray for the hike. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. Ah Ambrose! Apply for designation When biking Tunnel Hill State Trail as a beginner, the most important thing to remember is that it shouldnt be a race. 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. The closing of railways and mining operations effectively led to the towns declining population and economic structure. 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 Tunnel Hill Trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Vienna to Wetland Center: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a great scenic ride with many of the Cache River Watershed. 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. Tunnel Hill State Trail. However, you dont need something super expensive in order to have a successful ride at Tunnel Hill. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. State(s): Illinois The trail crosses 23 trestles ranging from 34 feet long to 450 feet. Water, adequate parking, picnic tables, information signage, and restrooms are available. This is an incomplete list of ghost towns on California sortable by town or county. Bicycling (on pavement)CampingDogs - On leashPedestrian - Walking/Hiking/RunningRoller/Inline Skating, Location: Counties of Saline, Williamson, Johnson, and Pulaski The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. You can start biking from Vienna and heading south. Click here to learn more about Shawn Gossman, Your email address will not be published. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. It is high up and has a wonderful view. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. Ive upgraded to that myself and I like it a lot. There are many areas along the trail that will not have any cell phone reception. This route tends to have more open canopy areas, so be sure to use sunblock. The last railway company to own the line was Norfolk Southern. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. 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. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. Harrisburg Paved Run: (10.10-Mile Round Trip) If you prefer a paved run away from cars, stick to the Harrisburg route. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. Mostlypart, there arent many dog-chasing-people encounters along the trail. Tunnel to Breeden Trestle: (5-Mile Round Trip) If you do not want to ride many miles, consider starting at the Village of Tunnel Hill and heading towards Vienna (south) on the trail. Share 'Tunnel Hill State Trail' Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The best kind of bike for the trail is a hybrid-style bike, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike. A Brief History. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. 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! 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. Trail Management: According to Google Maps, the trail is 50.8-miles in length from the southern terminus at Karnak to the northern terminus at Harrisburg. There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Free African Americans founded the settlement of Lakeview, first named Pond Settlement, a mile south of Carrier Mills, shortly after the War of 1812. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hiking with Shawn is an entity of Hiking with Shawn LLC, registered in the State of Illinois. There are other sightseeing opportunities in the area, including the Henry Barkhausen Wetland Center and Big Cypress Access. Youll also pass several abandoned ghost towns, that lost their lifeblood after the trains stopped running. The town is named after a Native American structure called a nearby Stonefort. At least one responsible adult must accompany each group of 15 minors. The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail . 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. Im an avid hiker, cyclist and outdoorsman here in the Shawnee National Forest. Primary Surface: Crushed rock, compacted Photo by John O'Connell Photography. Check your junk mail and add my address to contact list if you don't get the email with my guide download. The town was initially spelled Eldereado but later changed to Eldorado. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. So majestic was his bushy side beard, his peers transposed the syllables of his surname to coin the term. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Preparing for a bike ride, hike, run, or overnight trip along Tunnel Hill State Trail often requires planning. If you feel fatigued, stop a bench and rest for a few moments, especially if you are new to cycling. The Tunnel Hill State Trail passes by five ghost towns, abandoned communities that grew up around the railroad then withered and died when it closed. If you would be so kind enough to support my efforts, you can do so by sharing this post with others, especially on social media. There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. Some, like Bloomfield, Sanburn, and Ledford, are barely more than hamlets. The trail passes through portions of the Shawnee National Forest. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. This dynamic duo of living ghost towns might take you outta day trip territory, but we'd be doing you a huge disservice if we didn't get 'em on your radar. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. State Parks & National Forest Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Accessibility: There are 2 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Route 37 at the southwest end of the trail. The Tunnel Hill Run offers you the chance to run 50 miles on a flat, fast course. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, Cincinnati & St. Louis Railroad, known as the Big Four. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. All you have to do to get the guide is subscribe to my free monthly newsletter! The trail was completed in the fall of 2001. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 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