There are numerous trestle bridges with tree top views 100+ feet into the valleys. DO NOT WEAR SUNGLASSES IN THE TUNNEL. My sons and I still loved the challenge. I rode here yesterday (6/28/16) for my second Rails-to-Trails ride and my FIRST ever Tunnel ride. The only exception to this I found going into the Nature Center at Karnak. 5220027052 (part of way Tunnel Hill State Trail (539462489)) ... OpenStreetMap is a map of the world, created by people like you and free to use under an open license. No description for Tunnel Hill trail has been added yet! ", TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails conservancy, We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors, Barkhausen-Cache River Wetlands Center at IL 37 (Cypress) and Eldorado High School athletic fields at N. Main St. (Eldorado). There's also another small bike place near the tunnel at Tunnel Hill. But you do have some elevation changes. I hope to take this trail again to Karnak. I was really impressed with the trail! It can be ridden in the 20 mph range if you can spin that fast. So,, riding the northern part in the early morning would be best and saving the southern part for the evening temps. The route of the trail spans from Eldorado to Highway 37, between Cypress and New Grand Chain. There was some concrete in Harrisburg, but it quickly disappeared. This is one trail to be enjoyed. Get directions, reviews and information for Tunnel Hill State Trail in Vienna, IL. 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 … The tunnel itself is only a few hundred yards South of the parking area.Wildlife: On various rides I've seen Wild Turkeys (hens), White Tail Deer, Red Tailed Hawks, a Golden Eagle, Fox and a variety of varmints!Terrain: The lowest points of the trail are in Harrisburg and Karnak, which means that the trail rises to Tunnel Hill, the highest point. Submit one here. Get a FREE Rail Trails Guidebook when you become a Member with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. More importantly for the novice rider, the trail has a gentle downward slope into Vienna which makes for an easy ride of about nine and a half miles. The climb to the tunnel is deceptive. Stay far away if you see them. Go 21.4 miles, and turn right to remain on US 45. Bald Knob Cross Ride, Alto Pass Illinois. There are great lengths of trail in the deep shade and they were noticeably cooler after coming out of the sunlit portions. Two other wineries nearby have unfortunately gone out of business. Still, I recommend the detour to the center. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. The trail itself is paved with crushed rock and crushed limestone and is in very good condition. Continuing riding uphill, we finally ran into the tunnel! The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for cyclists, runners and hikers that runs for 45 miles through Southern Illinois, along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. Choose the right bike. Enjoyed the whole 47 miles last summer. Road bikes or recumbents will have no problem on this surface. Felt pretty stupid, but quite an unusual experience. We left the center and headed for Harrisburg, trail condition was very good,solid, and smooth.The main complaint is the LACK of water. It is a shame there isn't any campgrounds listed close by on the northern half. Local Attractions: $10 a night, no showers but there is water. I highly recommend this trail, the hills are not bad and not that long. Looming bluffs mark the terrain here, providing a dramatic contrast to the forest you traveled through earlier. Name: Tunnel Hill, Guildford Place type: Hill Or Mountain Location: Grid Ref: SU 9118 5500 • X/Y co-ords: 491186, 155007 • Lat/Long: 51.28689957,-0.69381605 I really enjoyed Tunnel Hill Trail and look forward to riding it again soon. I walked the rest of the way out. I was on the trail 4/01 and it goes all the way to Vienna and will soon be open further south. The next 6.7-mile stretch remains within sight of US 45 most of the way to Carrier Mills. We have hybrid bikes and it was a good thing because certain areas would be really challenging for skinny road tires. It is very nice for biking and hiking. I'd wish they'd extend it further. In Karnak, where a trailside campground opened in 2016, the Tunnel Hill State Trail bears left and picks up the railroad corridor. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Cypress! The two-mile trail begins from the downstream side with a series of uphill switchbacks. IF you do you will lose your way and find yourself on the ground. I quickly replaced the tube and was on my way through the tunnel which was not as long as I'd imagined, although I would recommend a light as you cannot see the walls half-way through. Current sites are only suitable for tents but they have plans to open up RV sites (water/elec)soon. Nice staff and good Cajun food. Big mistake in the tunnel. We enjoyed this ride... Five Stars... We drove about 300 miles to ride this trail and were not disappointed. At Tunnel Hill, there is a small parking area with restrooms and a water fountain. Another surprise and a must stop is Sandburn Junction. The high point is the tunnel-- literally and figuratively. The packed limestone did not give me any trouble with my 700 x 35 size tires. It is located a couple of blocks East of State 45 on State 146. Deepcut Tunnel Hill 13 mile off road. There is a short section leading right up to the building (maybe 400') that was really soft. The Tunnel Hill State Trail begins 0.2 mile ahead. It looks intriguing, but I had leftovers waiting in the motel fridge and missed that opportunity. Did the north half of the trail in 2012 and just completed S half (Stonefort-Karnak) 10/29/13. P. Murrell Gresham, Oregon.". Much of the ride is through a forest. Tunnel Hill State Trail is by far the best trail I've ridden in Illinois. For those considering this, the crushed stone surface doesn't roll as easily as pavement, so it takes a bit more effort. We rode on hybrid bikes and they were perfect for this trail. Other attractions in the area visited and enjoyed were the Cache River Basin Winery/Wineaux's Restaurant and the Bella Terra Winery. Actions by nature can result in closed roads and other facilities. And Eldorado was a joyful find! The Center features an extensive display about the area's history and the efforts to restore the area following its despoliation by agricultural and logging interests. I always remind my riding companions to watch out for traffic in other lanes who are still coming through. Update your records! However, one of the reasons I volunteer for that job is the same reason that I am writing this review. Great scenery, quiet, and a good workout. I hate that I did not take time to checkout the "ghost town" mentioned in the guidebook. You will need to stay focused on the light at the other end because you can not see the walls, the ground, etc. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. Also watch for rattlesnakes and copperhead snakes. This gem of Illinois rail-trails was built on the former Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, which was completed in 1874 and hauled coal from southern Illinois mines, as well as produce and timber. We rode the through the tunnel without lights (check for oncoming riders first). Keep an eye out for turtles and snakes, which also like to use this trail. From wildlife inhabited wetlands to gorgeous rock formations, this trail has it all. We love the Shawnee area and we love this trail! For more information about the trail, contact the site superintendent at Tunnel Hill State Trail, P.O. The trail was beautiful and well groomed. The trail is composed of crushed limestone, which is in good shape for most of the trail. Over the years, the railroad went through a series of ownership changes, and the tracks last belonged to Norfolk Southern Railroad, which turned the corridor over to the state in 1991. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. to Harrisburg IL. They also do pick-up service for a fee. I GPSed the MetroBikeLink Extension. In the middle of this area you will ride upon a surreal/picturesque spot where there are the abutments to an old bridge….let your mind wander. Bald Knob Cross Ride, Alto Pass Illinois. The rangers told us that riders frequently run into the walls. Weather I recommend this trail! It is my home training course for both marathons and I have done much biking on it getting ready for long triathlons. Bring water but know there are a lot of water stops. That’s why they dug a tunnel, originally 800 feet long, through the hill here, 6.7 miles past Bloomfield, instead of going over the top. From the trailhead on the north side of town, it’s another 8.2 miles to the endpoint in Eldorado. In that section the crushed rock (screenings) was well-packed and great to ride on. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. Just after the tunnel, I stopped at Sandburn Junction for a snack (drumstick, yum!) A great and well maintained trail. I got a rather late start so I opted not to do the short wetlands section going west out of Karnak. This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. See you there. Following your travels through the tunnel, enjoy the two-mile long Tunnel Hill Trail where you can discover breathtaking views of the Paw Paw Bend. (The previous day we rode the great new trail in Metropolis and the one in Equality.). Take note that water stops can be far apart! I rode this trail on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 8 & 9th beginning the wetlands center in Cypress. Discover trails like Tunnel Hill Trail Virginia, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. The washboard effect could be noticed from Karnak to the wetland center head to the center. Harrisburg has a paved 2.2 mile segment with numerous street crossings; the locals seemed very aware of the trail, and more than one driver stopped to wait for me to cross. It passes through the swampy Cache River State Natural Area, which is home to giant cypress trees, some 1,000 years old. I had 32 mm touring tires on my single speed and had no handling problems what so ever. Bridges and tunnel are awesome and so is the scenery. I'd heard this and found it hard to believe. Aside from the many birds the only wildlife I saw that day were two small snakes and a turtle. If you ask, the ranger will tell you about some of the local forests, including a couple of "Illinois champion trees" in nearby bogs. Even had lunch at "Our Place Deli". The trail continues on a trails spur for 2.5 miles from Karnak to Cache River State Natural Area - Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center on … Good picnic area also.Trail climbs from here to the tunnel and descends all the way to Harrisburg. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. We hope to do another portion another time. Back out into the light, you’ll find a fully stocked trailhead on your right in the town of Tunnel Hill, where the remaining 33-mile ride to Eldorado begins. The 23 picturesque trestles along the completed sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail feature decking and side rails, which entice trail users to stop. We started in Harrisburg, rode to trail's end in Eldorado; then on to the city trail and back to Harrisburg. And to think that it was all compacted into a 45 mile strip. The area has a lot of mining and railroad history. If you stop the mosquitoes will carry you away so use your Skin So Soft from Avon I'll be bringing a headlamp with me next time I ride this trail. I GPSed the Zombie Trail Extension. The tunnel was great, although I didn't use a light I could see where you might want to. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. of rain in the last week and the trail going south from Vienna is currently (05/03/2011) roped off so I imagine there is considerable water damage. 95 degrees on the way to the trail, 75 degrees on the trail. This is a great, well maintained bike trail. Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches for over 50 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak. The trail has 45 miles of rail-trail open, through beautiful hardwood forest, and is awaiting your visit.". Go 0.5 mile and turn left onto N. Main St. Go 0.4 mile and turn left into an unmarked drive that heads into the Eldorado High School sports complex. I could see the light at the end, but still crashed up against the side, taking skin off several knuckles, but protecting my bike. Stopped in Stonefort on the way up and ate lunch at "Bucketheads", a must stop. Tunnel Hill State Trail Trail-Heads. The railroaders tried to keep these slopes as gentle as possible to save fuel and time. It is also the only settlement of any size on the southern half. UPDATE: Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. Riders looking for a no exertion ride should consider going from Tunnel Hill to Karnak. Much faster leaving the tunnel, almost all downhill, but speed overall averaged 13-15 mph. Many other minor edits. I've been looking forward to biking this trail for a couple of years, but my ride on September 9th from Harrisburg to Karnak left me feeling rather underwhelmed. Made it without further incident to Vienna, but noticed my tire had a rip in it. This mountain bike primary trail can be used downhill only. The first sections of trail opened in 1998. I have ridden the length of the Katy Trail, and have also ridden in the Smokey Mountains. The Vienna trailhead, a town park, is reasonably large for a rural IL town. The City of Karnak has just opened a campground alongside the trail. My wife and I took the trail from Vienna IL. My wife and I had a free Sunday in mid-summer so we took an impromptu trip to seize the Tunnel. We have ridden many trails in many states and I must say this is one of the top 5. You would think that it would never get completely dark because you can see the exit, but about mid-way it will become completely dark (only a couple of seconds in a very fun way). 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