There is a bench for resting and an information sign. The railroad changed hands through the years and was operated as the 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. . that are awesome bikes well worth their cost and they do a lot for my needs. 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. While second-skin styles are best when riding, they make a baggier option for folks who are concerned about modesty. New biker campground put in by the Village of Karnak. There are restrooms, brochures, and a Museum within the facility. Vienna offers the best selection of places to eat along the trail, with the Vienna Diner offering homestyle cooking, in an old-fashioned diner setting, and Neds Shed is a delightful retro burger joint, thats beloved by the locals for their seasoned fries and homemade relish. Getting around Chicago and Illinois is easy with our guide to ways to travel around the state. The Tunnel Hill HQ is usually open during the daylight hours through the week and sometimes during the weekend. 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. No purchase required. The bathrooms here are usually locked, and the water is often turned off. The Eldorado extension is 4.2-miles from the additional trail. 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. After youre done, turn around and ride back to the trailhead. Vienna visitor Center's interpretive displays are closed to the public, but the restrooms are open. The total distance, including Eldorado, is 58 miles. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The railway was named Vincennes and Cairo Railroad after terminuses located in Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. As you ride towards the center, notice the changing environment to your left and right. What can you spot along the Tunnel Hill State Trail during your next visit? Restrooms, benches, parking, and water are all available in the town. There was a local backlash as people feared that criminals and other unfriendly persons would use the trail. There are a few rest areas and trailheads for the trail located within Harrisburgs city limits. The trail runs for 45 miles from Feazel Street in Harrisburg to Karmak in southern Illinois. A bump to the head can do serious damage to you. Mountain bikes could also be used as well as larger tire eBikes. Thats 100 miles! Heron Pond near Vienna is about a mile bike ride and a short stroll from the trail. If you have enjoyed this guide and would like to see more like it, please share this article with others, especially on social media. The trailhead has parking, restrooms, water, bike racks, and picnic tables. A shady trail winding through tiny towns in Southern Illinois. The town was initially located near the structure but was moved closer to the railway at some point. 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. The best kind of bike for the trail is a hybrid-style bike, a gravel bike, or a mountain bike. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. A trail branch goes to the Wetland Center for the Cache River State Natural Area. Start at the Karnak Trailhead (south), ride to the end of the Harrisburg Trail (north), and ride back. The official website for Tunnel Hill Trail is located on the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website. 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. Conrail; and during its most productive years, the Cleveland, Chicago, 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. Larger animals may cross the trail including deer, bobcat and coyotes. There are quite a few towns along the trail. Vienna to Heron Pond Bike & Hike: (12-Miles of Biking/1.5-Mile Hike) If youre looking for an adventure, I recommend this route. The town has suffered many economic downfalls, including mines and Roundys Distribution Center closure. The truly hardcore clock up 100 miles, by going both ways! About 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. Trestle over the Cache. The history of Eldorado is fascinating. The town is the namesake of the trail, and the 500+ foot long tunnel is located a few minutes from the trail. The many small communities offer specialized mom and pop restaurants and shops that are worth looking into. The history of Harrisburg started in 1847 when it was founded. 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. Start at Tunnel Hill Trailhead and head north (away from the tunnel)! Hiking or athletic-specific clothing is also recommended for using this trail. Crenshaws mansion is owned by the state, and while there has been discussion of plans to open it as a State Historic Site, this project appears to be on hold due to lack of funding. Width: 120 inches. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby-throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders. 146 East, Vienna, IL 62995 Full view Best nearby Attractions 3 within 6 miles Cherrybark Oak 1 Points of Interest & Landmarks Vienna Town Square Mall 6 Points of Interest & Landmarks Antique Shops Shawnee Winery Cooperative 2 Wineries & Vineyards See all Contribute The trail is well-maintained and surfaced with crushed limestone, making it suitable for mountain bikes and road bikes alike. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day. Some of the 400 Tunnel Hill 50/100 mile fall run participants enjoy a beautiful fall day; photo by Jonathan Voelz, View more details for this trail in the NRT Database. Dont try to hit the animal. Follow me onFacebook,Instagram,TwitterandTikTokfor unique content that you will only find on those pages. 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. Ill do it more than once, myself. Please watch for and yield to all wildlife using the trail. In 1872 Burnside and others began the Vincennes & Cairo Railroad, which connected Vincennes, Indiana and Cariro, Illinois. Wooden trestles, with their system of slanted supports and horizontal cross pieces, spanned numerous bluffs and creeks. Multiple services are available in Vienna, including gas stations, restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, and other things. From Karnak, a 2.5 mile spur on the old Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad runs to the new Henry Barkhausen Wetlands Center. Roy's Motel and Caf in Amboy, California on U.S. Route 66 in California in the Mojave Desert. This trail was widely responsible for the creation of Hiking with Shawn. Karnak to Cache River Wetlands Center (5.5 Mile Round Trip): This is a fairly riding route, there and back with plenty to see along the way. The trailheads for the trail are day-use only. This may be because they dont include the Harrisburg section. The Stonefort structure is located on the Shawnee National Forest property. EN. Please use caution. This is a limited time offer. Local hiking enthusiast Shawn takes you on a video tour of the ruins of Parker City. (Remember to bring bike lights.) Box 368Hurst, Illinois 62949Thanks for watching another episode of Hiking With Shawn and until next time, I'll see you on the trail!#hikingwithshawn #southernillinois #shawneenationalforest #bluffage #hiking 2023 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Tunnel Hill Bike Rental at Sandburn Junction, Eco-Friendly Hotels and GreenGetaways in Illinois, Five Champaign Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Outing, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. I really recommend you do the same. Sandburn Junction near the Village of Tunnel Hills offers bike rentals. And you should eventually try to better your riding abilities but it should never be rushed. There is a campground right by the trail in the Village of Karnak, where the southern terminus of the trail is located. Around that area, youll see old structures associated with the former railroad, old road structures and even the foundation of a building that was once there. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. I care about the future of Tunnel Hill State Trail so because of that, I try to actively promote the trail. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. Fame is a fickle mistress. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. Please practice. Dont ride as hard as you can because you will only burn yourself out and potentially injure yourself. Some areas are gravel. The clothing had also chaffed my legs pretty good from all the friction of the material rubbing as I rode. The trail is mainly made up of crushed limestone. 27 Safe Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois during Hunting Season. The trail winds through seven communities, including Carrier Mills, Stonefort, and Vienna. The trestles range in length from 34 to 450 feet long. Venomous snakes (including copperhead and cottonmouth) occur along this trail. 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. Harrisburg is a stable economic community but is said to have once thrived during the coal mining and railroad booms. Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Settlers started migrating to Stonefort during the early 1800s. Along the Ghost Town . But it is a combination of the two names, Judge Samuel Elder and Joseph Read, who were the towns founders. The first portions of the trail opened to the public in 1998. If you add the Wetland Center branch, the length is 53.6-miles. Karnak is where the southern terminus of the Tunnel Hill State Trail is located. The portion of the trail in between Harrisburgs main city to Eldorado is on the rugged side. New Burnside is a village along the trail located in Johnson County. Nearly 2,000 people are actively posting on the group. The only service in Tunnel Hill is Sandburn Junction, accessed from a gravel road or the trail going south after the tunnel. Below is a recent video that we filmed while enjoying this area. There is a small parking lot for the trailhead. This PDF will be sent to your email right after you subscribe (check your junkmail just in case and add me as a contact). For a limited time, I'm giving away my 70+ page PDF guide focusing on some of my favorite Hiking Trails in Southern Illinois. Patreons get access to extra features, exclusive articles, sticker packs, gifts and more. Some services are available in town, including restaurants and a gas station. Belknap was established in 1873 and was a Big Four Railroad railway stop. This ghost town got its start in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. This is a limited time offer. I also use this app and have purchased the premium version of it. Photo by Jonathan Voelz. The trail follows the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, which began in 1872 to transport passengers, coal, salt, wood, local apples, and peaches. 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. So, I felt like Eldorado deserves an honorable mention in this guide. The abandoned railroad right-of-way varies between 40 and 200 feet in width. The rail-trail is part of a former railroad founded by Civil War . What was likely a vibrant community is merely a living ghost town in modern times. 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. Its free, of course, and fun for everyone of all ages! Vienna to Tunnel Hill: (20-Mile Round Trip) If you are looking for a longer route with a lot to see, you should do this route. Tunnel Hill State Trail. eBikes are fine as long as they are not modified to be faster than what theyre governed for by the manufacturer. Other apparel to increase comfort on the bike includes cycling gloves, padded bike shorts or tights, a bike jersey, and comfortable shoes. Using the trail during daylight hours is highly recommended. Multi-day. Get inspired by top travel stories, gain access to exclusive promotions and contests, and discover even more reasons to #EnjoyIllinois. In 1991, the Norfolk Southern Railroad gave the railway right-of-way to the State of Illinois. Others, like New Burnside (named for our good buddy Ambrose) are shrinking. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. 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. It features several historic sites and its own Boot Hill Cemetery. Belknap is a small village located along the trail. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources website for Tunnel Hill State Trail says the trial is 45 miles. The trail was once a bustling railroad line during the 1800s into the 1900s, back when there was a coal mining boom in the region. The towns names sound Spanish in nature. This is also why I recommend bringing a lunch above. The railroad changed hands throughout the years and was a part of the Big Four, consisting of Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, and St. Louis lines often called CCC & St. Louis. described as ghost townsForman, Bender, Rago, Parker City and New Castle. Harrisburg is the largest city connected to the Tunnel Hill State Trail. The trail is relatively easy to use for most people. The best type of bicycle to ride on Tunnel Hill State Trail is a hybrid-style bike or a gravel bike. . 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 . Most cheap bikes sold at all in one retailers are also very non-dependable and dont often last very long. Try to go through the tunnel when no one else is coming the opposite way and stay in the middle. After the railway was abandoned, the town and its population diminished like the other communities along the trail. About halfway between Vienna and Karnak look to your right to see if you can see the ghost town of Forman. Get a plan from the people who know the trail the most. Eldorado is not technically a town along Tunnel Hill State Trail. Hampton Pankey was the first known settler of Carrier Mills and one of the earliest settlers in Saline County, arriving around 1804. The railroad track that crosses the trail near Belknap is an unprotected crossing. There is an adventure for everyone on Tunnel Hill State Trail. The tunnel is usually extremely dark in the middle. Although an experienced cyclist should be Lets check out some of the adventures you can enjoy today! It was also too close for comfort to the activities of local salt maker John Hart Crenshaw, who in 1842 was indicted for kidnapping a black woman and her children. 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. This accessible trail is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the way. In the late 1800s, the railway was established by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. I hope to see you on the mailing list! Find out how to get to Illinois by plane, train, bus and driving. Allow yourself plenty of time at the Wetlands Center because there is a lot to see. You will need to start early and prepare for that many miles. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 50+ mile rail trail in Southern Illinois. Focus on a route that will take your mind off of the fact that you are exercising by choosing a route with plenty to see: The Tunnel to Breeden Trestle (5.5 Mile Round Trip): This is a fairly easy trip that starts off downhill (slight uphill grade coming back). Harrisburg section larger tire eBikes new biker campground put in by the manufacturer also recommended for using this.! Is rated as easy and will take you through some gorgeous scenery along the Tunnel right by the Village Tunnel! Was widely responsible for the trail winds through seven communities, including gas stations, restaurants fast... 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