Route
The Tunnel Hill State Trail in southern Illinois stretches about 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak, following the former rail bed of the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, built in the 1870s by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside.
The trail includes a 543-foot-long tunnel near the town of Tunnel Hill, which originally was over 800 feet long before collapsing in 1929. The route features 23 trestles crossing rivers and valleys, dense forests, wetlands, farmlands, and small towns, offering scenic views and a relatively gentle grade ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, it opened in stages starting in 1998, utilizing crushed limestone surface suitable for various types of bikes. The trail continues on a 2.5-mile spur beyond Karnak to the Cache River State Natural Area. Its history as a vital railroad corridor that transported coal, timber, and goods for over a century adds a rich cultural dimension to its natural beauty and recreational appeal.
| Location | Johnson, Pulaski, Saline, and Williamson Counties, Illinois, United States |
| Management | Illinois Department of Natural Resources |
| Address | Illinois, USA |
Tunnel Hill State Trail is located in Illinois, United States.
Tunnel Hill State Trail is situated in the state of Illinois.
The address of Tunnel Hill State Trail is Illinois, USA.
Yes, Tunnel Hill State Trail is family-friendly and attracts visitors of all age groups.
Visitors usually spend a few hours to a full day exploring Tunnel Hill State Trail.
Yes, there are several hotels and accommodations near Tunnel Hill State Trail in Illinois.
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