There is a campground located in Karnak right off the trail. I highly recommend buying a bicycle from a local bike shop because they will take care of you. Home Other Ghost Town names along the trail include Rago, New Castle, and Bender. Others, like New Burnside (named for our good buddy Ambrose) are shrinking. However, sometimes you might want some gear and equipment recommendations for your visit. The railroad build was headed by General Ambrose Burnside, who has gone down in history for his effervescent facial hair. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Most of these Ghost Towns have nothing to show besides a few foundations and signs of past railroad usage. You can unsubscribe anytime with ease. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. So, I would mainly use this to explore state and federal public land off the trail. Box 671 302 E. Vine Vienna, IL The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. We're here to help Southernmost Illinois in IL Address: PO Box 37862906 Phone:(618) 833-9928+1 618-833-9928 Trails to Adventure in IL Address: 900 S. Normal Ave Woody Hall MC431762901 Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. Vienna visitor and tourism center connected to trail and park - community working to promote the trail. Harrisburg to Karnak (Long Trip): (90-Mile Round Trip) Please call the City of Harrisburg to gain permission for overnight parking. 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. 62995 (618) 658-2168 http://dnr.state.il.us. Tunnel Hill 100/50 is an ultra marathon running event taking place on the beautiful Tunnel Hill State Trail, starting and finishing in Vienna, IL park. The village was founded in 1872 and was active during the railroad boom. My favorite bike shop is Carbondale Cycle located in Carbondale. As you travel south from Harrisburg youll come to Carrier Mills, which has a proud African American history. 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. 146 Vienna IL 62995 Phone:+1 618-658-2168 Website: Visit Website Video & Images What's Happening Near Vienna 22 Apr Junque Jamboree Most of the time, renters use a payment honor system to rent bikes. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? The Village of New Burnside was named after General Burnside. Carrier Mills is located in Saline County along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. / 37.48500N 120.02028W / 37.48500; -120.02028. To avoid most hazards, stay on the trail. Where the River to River Trail crosses, riders may see equestrians and hikers please yield to these users and share the trail. Beginning in Harrisburg, the trail is at 370 feet above sea level, rising to 680 feet at Tunnel Hill and then dropping to 340 feet at Karnak. Youre less likely to see many people from Vienna to Shelby Road along this route. Runners should bring plenty of water and snacks. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. The trailhead offers parking, restrooms, picnic tables and benches, water, and information signage. Attractions & Museums from $12.00 per adult The area Rt. Bring plenty of water with you while using the trail. Sandburn Junction has a general store with bike rentals, ice cream, drinks, produce, and veggies that is always open. Designations by Year There is a railroad museum located next to the trailhead. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. I recommend this app first because it helps Tunnel Hill and rail trails. Please watch for snakes and give them plenty of room. Biking is fun and makes you feel like a kid again but its still exercise. As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. It goes through 23 trestle bridges, several ghost towns, a tunnel, a beautiful park, a remarkable corridor, and a trailhead in Vienna Station. I highly recommend getting and wearing a bicycle helmet. In Harrisburg, the trail is paved. Subscribe now (for a limited time only) and get my free 70+ page35 Hiking Trails of Southern Illinois Guide. Minutes away from the Tunnel Hill station is Egyptian Hills Resort where you can stop for a pizza and ice cream overlooking the Lake of Egypt. There is also a nursery that is open during the daylight hours. There are hiking trails along the trail including. As a former railway, most of the trail has gradual inclines and declines. 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. Near Carrier Mills is the site of New Castle, a small community of homes that included a church and a school. Check out my Google Custom Map below for the Tunnel Hill State Trail length and different stops along the way. However, many trail users will also ride into the town to use their bikes/walking paths. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. My favorite cycling apparel companies are. 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. Go around the gate and head towards the Wetlands Center. You should also consider slippery conditions as well. What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. As you make your way toward Heron Pond Lane, youll see plenty of trestles, swamps, and scenic creeks. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. Most riders suggest using what is called a Hybrid or Fitness bike which is often a cross between road and mountain allowing for a good grip on the trail and the ability to use the road easily as well. Please use caution is biking/hiking to this store. Owner Linda Blackman is a treasure trove of information about the area and its history. Tunnel Hill State Trail. that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. Vienna is the location of the Tunnel Hill State Trail Headquarters, which is located at the trailhead next to the City Park. Harrisburg to Eldorado: (20-Mile Round Trip) This section is a route not many people ride. Foggy Morning Trail. Howdy folks! Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. If you just want to spend a day along the trail, there are plenty of great routes. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. Southern Branch Bridge. You might even consider getting a rack and bike bag system for carrying anything else you might need. During and after severe weather, there could be eroded spots (from heavy rain), trees down, and other debris (from wind) along the trail. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. The majority of the trail is made up of crushed limestone. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Some bike lights might also be good in case you are on the trail after dark or need lights to see through the tunnel. However, I am tall and a bigger bike fits me better. There isnt much historical information about this post office. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Trail Link This is an application by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a National Organization that supports rail trails across the country. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. A grandson of Hampton was also a founder of the nearby City of Harrisburg. Stop at all stop signs and intersections. 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. 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. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. 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. 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. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! Get there before 4:00 PM to be able to go inside the center and look around. You can see various areas of swamps and wetlands. Discover top travel stories and even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois with our free magazine. A 543-foot long tunnel gave the nearby town its name, and now the trail. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. This trailhead includes parking, water, restrooms, bike racks, information signage, and picnic tables. There are quite a few towns along the trail. A light is best for use in the tunnel. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Alrighty folks, I hope you have enjoyed this content. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. The town was founded in 1870. An abandoned train line between Harrisburg and Karnak was transformed into the Tunnel Hill Trail. This route tends to have more open canopy areas, so be sure to use sunblock. It was initially an Indian trading post in the 1800s. My name is Shawn Gossman and I founded Hiking with Shawn. It was likely named after the Big Muddy Coal Company. Dont get me wrong, I have very expensive bicycles (not that much though!!) of Natural Resources 302 E. Vine, Vienna IL 62995 (618) 658-2168, Trestle over the Cache; photo by Jonathan Voelz, National Recreation Trails (NRT) Database, Market Research: Equity of Access to Trails, TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK, Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. Before setting out to ride the trail, consider the riding conditions of the trail for the day you plan to be biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. If you enjoy riding over trestle bridges and through dark tunnels you must experience the Tunnel Hill State Trail (THST) in southern Illinois. This used to be one of the smallest post office facilities in the state. This village was established in 1905 when the post office was created. Biking Tunnel Hill State Trail is great because there are many side adventures and stops you can make while enjoying the trail, especially if you plan to be one the trail all day long. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. Consider buying officialHiking with Shawn Merchandiseas another way to support me. Parker City was a neighborhood in New Burnside that was located between Tunnel Hill and New Aside from a few foundations and traces of railway usage, the majority of these Ghost Towns have nothing to offer. The terrain is uphill to the road and downhill back to the trailhead. Facilities Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. Contact Details Address: Visitor Center, Hwy. Continue through the tunnel until shortly reaching Sandburn Junction, an old general store turned into a trail store. Toward the close of the Civil War, Illinois became the first state to ratify theThirteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which abolished slavery nationally. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. The southern section of the trail traverses the Cache River State Natural Area, a significant state, national, and international wetland resource. The trail starts at the Barkhausen Wetlands Center then passes through the beautiful town of Karnak. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. 10 miles north of Tunnel Hill is little Stonefort, and right next to the trail is the Stonefort Depot Museum, with a wealth of information on local history and a large collection of old photographs and maps. The best kind of bike for the trail is a hybrid-style bike, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike. 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. The northern half of the trail passes rolling fields and wooded bluffs. Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. Please use caution around bodies of water, creeks, rivers, and edges of cliffs and bluffs. You are in Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific; the New York Central; Penn Central; Visitors will pass 23 trestle bridges (one of which is 450 feet long), a ghost town, a park, and the 543-foot tunnel for which the trail was named. 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. This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. I use and love this app. The southern trail winds through wetlands, ponds, and marshes. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. If youve never seen Heron Pond, you will fall in love with this place. I like this route when I want just to ride and get some exercise. Vienna is the county seat of Johnson County. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. The trail is mainly paved through Harrisburg and maintained by the city. There are wineries at both ends and even camping at both ends. Alberta has dozens of ghost towns stretching throughout the province, most the result of a booming coal industry that were abandoned when operations failed . You can learn more about Tunnel Hill State Trail in my Collaboration with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Dont try to hit the animal. Camping is generally not allowed along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. Carrier Mills has a few services, including a gas station, a grocery store, and a Dollar Store. After the mines and railroad shut down, the town did start to diminish. Youll also pass several abandoned ghost towns, that lost their lifeblood after the trains stopped running. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources proposed that a rail trail be created. Watching runners head into the tunnel from above. Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. Please call ahead to the park office before you make your trip. Harrisburg to Stonefort: (26-Mile Round Trip) This is a pretty route to ride. It can take a train up to two in half miles before it can come to a complete stop in an emergency. Sadly, the free community of Pond Settlement was less than 20 miles away from the Southern Illinois salt mines, where indentured slavery was still permitted, despite the Thirteenth Amendment. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. A good pair of tight fitting (Spandex/Lycra) bike shorts or bib-shorts and cycling jersey will make life so much better and reduce the pain and chaffing. All of the trail in Harrisburg is paved and striped. enjoyillinois. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Temporary signage for the 50/100 run at Vienna headquarters building. Search by Activity Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. The City of Harrisburg maintains this section of the trail. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). Bring plenty of snacks and food while using the trail. A well maintained and interesting area. If you want to use a mountain bike, I think you would be fine using one when biking Tunnel Hill State Trail. If this occurs, tell the dog NO and use your water bottle to spray water at it. There are many benches along this route to stop at and rest as well. And was active during the Boise Basin gold rush Harrisburg to Eldorado: ( Round. Through Wetlands, ponds, and ghost towns plenty of trestles,,... Rivers, and a bigger bike fits me better scenery along the way Karnak was into! River State Natural area, a significant State, National, and now the trail rivers... 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