Map of the Tunnel Hill State Trail
Tunnel Hill State Trail
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:
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.
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