Tunnel Hill State Trail: A Journey Through History and Nature

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Explore Southern Illinois' scenic Tunnel Hill State Trail: a 45-mile journey through history, nature, and charming communities.

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Tunnel Hill State Trail

The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a 45-mile rails-to-trails path in Southern Illinois, stretching from Harrisburg to Karnak. It follows the former Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, offering a scenic route through diverse landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and rolling farmlands.

A brief summary to Tunnel Hill State Trail

302 E Vine St, Vienna, Illinois, 62995, US
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Local tips

Bring a flashlight or bike lamp for safe passage through the 543-foot Tunnel Hill tunnel.
Be prepared for varying trail conditions; crushed limestone can be soft after rain.
Take advantage of the access points in towns along the trail for parking, restrooms, and water.
Consider visiting the Vienna visitor center for interpretive displays and information about the trail.
Plan your trip to include a stop at the Breeden Trestle, the longest and highest bridge on the trail, for breathtaking views.

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Getting There

Driving

If arriving by car, several access points offer parking. From Vienna, the trail head is located at 302 E Vine St, Vienna, IL 62995. Parking is free. Limited parking is available, especially during peak season.
Walking

From the center of Vienna, the trail head is located approximately 1 mile east of the town square. Follow E Vine St to the trail head located at 302 E Vine St.

Discover more about Tunnel Hill State Trail

The Tunnel Hill State Trail, a 45-mile multi-use trail in Southern Illinois, offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Built upon the former Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, completed in 1872, the trail provides a glimpse into the region's history and natural beauty.The trail's namesake comes from the 543-foot tunnel near the town of Tunnel Hill. Originally 800 feet long, a portion collapsed in 1929. The tunnel is a highlight, offering a unique experience as you pass through its dark interior. Be sure to bring a flashlight or bike lamp when going through the tunnel.Along the trail, you'll encounter 23 trestle bridges, with the Breeden Trestle being the longest at 450 feet and the highest at 90 feet. These trestles offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The trail connects several communities, hamlets, and even ghost towns, remnants of the railway's heyday.The Tunnel Hill State Trail traverses diverse terrain, from flat farmlands to the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest. The southern section passes through wetlands, including cypress swamps, and along meandering creeks and bluffs. The trail also intersects with other notable trails, including the River to River Trail, the American Discovery Trail, the U.S. Bicycle Route 76, and the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.The trail's surface is primarily crushed limestone, making it suitable for hiking, biking, and running. Access points with parking, restrooms, and water are available in various towns along the route, including Vienna, Tunnel Hill, and Karnak. The Vienna visitor center offers interpretive displays and information.