Find the top rated birding trails in Jackson, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
This is a great trail that offers plenty of options for all level of cyclists. The trail is well maintained but there are short sections where gravel was put down versus crushed limestone and could be a challenge for those riding a bicycle with skinny tires. Water was available on the trail but all the air pumps at the trailheads were unusable due to issues with the pump heads but the restrooms were open. There is tree canopy along 95% of the trail which made all the difference on an unseasonably warm day for May. There was plenty of wildlife to be experienced especially as we launched back to our car at sunrise which included deer, box turtles, chipmunks, lizards and of course snakes which included some of the poisonous variety. We spent the night in Harrisburg and enjoyed a superb gastro experience at Morello's with an extensive menu and excellent wait staff. In my opinion, I would avoid the section of the trail from Harrisburg to El Dorado as it is poorly maintained, exposed to the sun and eventually turns into a road. Enjoy the Tunnel Hill Trail experience!
My husband and I rode from New Burnside to 4 miles past Tunnel Hill—about 22 miles. The tunnel was cool, literally. Ride is Almost entirely wooded—saw a snake, possum, turtle, otter (I think) butterflies and birds. A great day!
Stayed at the Main Brothers camp ground in Karnak, IL which is about 2 miles from the official trail head. The primitive camp sites at main brothers were right next to the road. Full trail is 110 miles plus the two I road to the trail head. Trail is more rough than people say. Choose the right bike. Trail north of Harrisburg is single track so 15 miles round trip was slow going and full sun. Bring water but know there are a lot of water stops. Get food in Harrisburg if you ride that far. There is only one true tunnel so know that and expect to enjoy a lot of nature.
Wooded, shady, well maintained densely packed fine gravel. Only noted one place for snacks, so bring sufficient water & snacks. Clean rest stops along the way.
95 degrees on the way to the trail, 75 degrees on the trail. Shaded 95%. Beautiful scenery Nice path Very low grade Plenty of deer If you stop the mosquitoes will carry you away so use your Skin So Soft from Avon Works great Smell great
Flat, minimal hills, and winds throughout the city! Very pretty through wooded areas. Offers a great escape for bikers! Well-maintained. Plenty of room to pass others and even ride alongside friends.
My wife and I took the trail from Vienna IL. to Harrisburg IL. for our 29th anniversary, Uh lala how romantic (he says with a wink). 34 miles one way. We packed overnight cloths and stayed in an Airbnb, "The Apartment at 217" in Harrisburg. Loved the apartment and our hosts. Stopped in Stonefort on the way up and ate lunch at "Bucketheads", a must stop. Nice staff and good Cajun food. We've ridden from Karnack to Vienna before so we have completed the whole trail. The ride from Vienna to Tunnel hill is the prettiest part. 9.3 miles from Vienna to the Tunnel. When you get to the tunnel you can feel the cool air and it feels great on a hot day.
Trail was in great condition with packed fine rock. Thought maybe all the rain in spring of 2019 would cause washouts, but surface is in great condition.
Trail south of Vienna is flat and little traveled, I just met one couple in 12 miles. Need insect repellent south of Vienna as the area is swampy.
Trail north of Vienna is uphill all the way to the tunnel, then downhill to the north. There is a little store open at New Burnside just south of the tunnel.
Took the family of five (3 kids ages 6-12) and had a great experience! We took lots of photos along the way, even stopped for ice cream in Sandburn crossing.
My husband and I started at the Tunnel Hill Trailhead and rode south 25 miles to the Wetland Center and then back. It was a beautiful ride. We were impressed how well it was maintained. A fallen tree that we had to climb over on the way out was already cut and pulled off the trail on our way back.
At least one snake, five deer, several hawks and what I thought was a very challenging ride since I rarely do 46 miles. The washboard effect could be noticed from Karnak to the wetland center head to the center.
My sons and I still loved the challenge.
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