Find the top rated running trails in Mount Vernon, whether you're looking for an easy short running trail or a long running trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a running trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
I did the Tunnel Hill Trail for my first 100 mile ride on 11/1/25. Parked in Harrisburg off Barnett St and biked to the south end of the trail at the Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center and back.
Trail surface is almost all hard packed crushed gravel with small paved sections through Harrisburg. Fairly smooth throughout. for an unpaved trail. No big hills but several long low grade inclines/declines. In the woods and forest the whole time except when passing through towns. There are water stations and bathrooms along the trail, though they were locked when I was there.
I did my ride on a Specialized road bike on 28mm tires. A gravel bike would probably be optimal, but the road bike did fine. Weather was cool and cloudy with some rain in the middle of the day, but the trail still held up well even with the light rain. Some small gravel got caught up around my brakes adding some extra resistance but nothing major.
Saw only a few other people all day, mostly hikers and but some bikers as well. Trail only crosses small roads, there are tunnels that go under major roads. Gravel was slower than the pavement, but this was a good 100 mile ride if not concerned with a specific pace. Took me 7 hrs 22 minutes of moving time.
Nice fall colors in late October/early November and the trail had a nice isolated feeling like not many people use it. I liked the bridges and the tunnels
*Note: some of the pictures on here, including the highlighted picture for this trail are not of this route. The highlighted "trestle bridge" picture is of a bridge on the Great Allegheny Passage
On the first day I rode the trail from the very northern terminus in Eldorado, IL to Karnak, IL. Camped at the Main Bros. Campground in Karnak that evening. On the second day I rode back to Tunnel Hill and took an excursion over to Ferne Clyffe State Park where i camped that evening. On the 3rd day, it was back to Tunnel Hill to join the trail and back to Eldorado, IL. Fall is a great time to ride this trail. This trail takes you through all kinds of scenery. Prairies, Farmland, Rugged Hills and Forest, and Cypress wetlands. The trail is in good shape. There are some spots where the state has had to patch the trail with some larger rock but it is perfectly passable. Taking care of this trail given the rugged terrain of much of the trail must be a monumental task. Cudos to the state of Illinois Dept of Natural Resources for keeping this wonderful trail in such good shape. Food, Harrisburg and Vienna are the two towns with options for fast food and local restaraunts. Camping, Karnak has the Main Bros. campground which is convenient if you are riding the whole trail in two days or are exploring the Cache River wetlands. Equipment, suggest a bicycle with at least 35mm wide tires. I rode a 45mm wide tire and it was perfect. I would not recommend a road bike for this trail. This is a wonderful resource to explore southern illinois by bicycle. Get out there and ride!
We started at whispering pine loop and turned around at north Sandusky campground, this trail ended here. Such a great trail a few crazy spots behind the lake, but a fun trail to ride all concrete trail. We got rained but that even made it a lot more fun. We laughed so much.
Rode from the western trailhead to Vienna. Beautiful scenery. Trail in good shape. A few minor rough patches where larger gravel used as patches, but not anything to get in the way. Beautiful foliage and flowers were out.
We were camping at South Marcum so that is where I started. The concrete path was in great shape, just like riding on a sidewalk. A short distance of hard packed gravel was a little rough, but easy to ride. I had to quit at the visitor center because of the rain, but I will definitely be back to finish the trail.
Snakes are out keep your eyes out and your feet up :) Tunnel Hill is a breathtaking rail-to-trail experience that truly stands out for its natural beauty and historical charm. The trail winds through the picturesque landscape of Southern Illinois, offering a serene escape for cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts alike. One of the most striking features of Tunnel Hill is its namesake tunnel, which is a fascinating relic of the old railway. This long, dark tunnel provides a unique and slightly mysterious segment of the journey, adding to the adventure. The trail itself is well-maintained, with a smooth, packed gravel surface that makes for an enjoyable ride or walk. Along the route, you'll be treated to a variety of scenic vistas, including lush forests, rolling farmlands, and beautiful creek crossings. The diverse scenery keeps the journey interesting and provides ample opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting. In the fall, the foliage is particularly stunning, making this a great destination for leaf-peepers. What makes Tunnel Hill truly special is its peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist looking for a long-distance ride or a family wanting a leisurely day out, Tunnel Hill offers something for everyone. The gentle grades and numerous access points make it accessible to all levels of fitness and experience. In summary, Tunnel Hill is more than just a trail; it's an immersive experience into the natural and historical richness of Southern Illinois. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to explore a trail that is both beautiful and steeped in history.
Rode from Harrisburg to Karnak and back today. Great trail. A little wash out about 10 miles north of large tunnel. Not much on trail. Bathrooms at Harrisburg locked. Saw very few riders. A few walkers. One guy on an electric bike with a rifle.
Excellent trail going with a large section that goes through the Shawnee National Forest. The trail is very well maintained and in excellent condition for the entire length except for 1.6 miles that is under repair. The previous reviewer stating the need for a full suspension mountain bike are completely inaccurate. I have done it on 32c tires many times and while this particular section is indeed under repair one you can always dismount and walk this short section and enjoy the scenery. The rest if the trail is in great condition with evenly spaced rest areas, pit toilets, water, trash cans, and ample parking. This area of Illinois is beautiful with many excellent campgrounds and sights seeing
It is a tale of two trails, one Southwest of the tunnel, the other, if it can be called a trail, Northeast of the tunnel. In late September my brother and I road both. Our first day we rode from Karnak to the tunnel, and back again, around 43 miles. That part of the trail is reasonably maintained, with trussell bridges and lush cover from thick forests. It was a long ride, but the hills rarely exceeded a 5% grade. So we expected the trail from the tunnel to Harrisburg to be the same.... It is not. Expect loose crushed stone in many places that 36c tiers will sink into, and 1/4 inch gravel in others to repair the surface, as well as washed out dips on the sides of the trail. Expect to fall approx. 25 feet into snake infested water if you should go off the side when you have to make a quick direction adjustment. (I assume snakes are in the water since we road past a few snakes on the trail, one a cottonmouth that showed us its dental work.) If you plan to ride the Northeastern section from the tunnel to Harrisburg you will need a mountain bike with full suspension. A gravel bike or a hybrid is not enough.
We rode today from Stonefort to tunnel hill and it has some washed out spots and is rough in spots
We started in the back of the South Marcum Campground, followed the path and rode out 11.5 miles around Dam to other side of lake. We saw 24 deer and other wildlife, had the trail all to ourselves, 23 miles round trip.
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