Find the top rated walking trails in Pinckneyville, whether you're looking for an easy short walking trail or a long walking trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a walking trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
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Tunnel is about 10 miles north on the trail, nice crushed stone, generally well-maintained.
The trail is tree lined, dogwoods flowering during our ride. Numerous nice wooden bridges. Generally a gorgeous ride.
You can park in Vienna or just about the tunnel. Remember to take your sunglasses off when you go in the tunnel or it is pitch black!
About 1.5 miles south of Vienna, the trail has much more coarse gravel which is ride-able with a hybrid or gravel bike but not as pleasant as the rest of the trail that we enjoyed with electric cruisers. Gentle grade varies throughout the trail.
We camped at Shawnee campground within 1.5 miles of the trail, nice shoulders on the road leading up to a round-about with a wide sidewalk taking you the rest of the way to the trail. Very popular Mexican restaurant and Diner right off the train in Vienna, also gas stations and fast food.
This trail is nice but the section from the “The Orchards” to Eckards is very open and loud next to Green Mount Road. The parking at the beginning section in The Orchards golf course is a good hike prior to starting on the path with no sidewalks or designated crosswalks. And the street is hilly with turns and drivers mostly can’t see you crossing or walking on the side of the street. Also crossing where the path ends puts you in someone’s back yard , walking around the pool & tennis courts. Parking at the at one of the other options would be much safer especially with kids.
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!
This trail is the best maintained, marked and clean trails I have ever ridden. The trail surface is paved and in better condition than most of the areas highways! The prettiest portion is from the memorial hospital station to the Highway 161 station. Rode from Scott AFB to hwy 161 and back. Ride it soon! Get out there!
We started in Vienna and got 30 miles total. The trail was great, gravel, the tunnel is definitely a must to see. We stopped in to see the train station and talked to the lady in there she was super nice and had a lot of information to share on the trail. So glad we got to ride part of it.
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.
This is a very nice, scenic - absolutely beautiful trail and you can either start out or end up at Eckerts!
New trail signs are up. It is renamed the Illini Trail. It a short ride from the trail head down Illini Drive to the Goshen Trail.
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.
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