Tunnel Hill State Trail

Spanning 45 miles from Harrisburg to Karnak, the Tunnel Hill State Trail offers a wealth of beautiful landscapes for hikers and bikers. The trail was opened to the public in May 2001 but the trail’s history begins in 1872 when a railroad was constructed between Vincennes, Indiana, and Cairo, Illinois. With over a century of use, in 1991 Norfolk Southern gave the railroad right-of-way from Harrisburg to Karnak to the State of Illinois. The scenic railroad route was converted into a biking and hiking trail for public use.

Trail users travel through farmlands, the Shawnee National Forest, wetlands, and a cypress swamp. The trail also runs through six towns and intersects with the River to River Trail, the American Discovery Trail, the U.S. 76 Bicycle Trail, and the Trail of Tears. Tunnel Hill State Trail received its name from the 543-foot tunnel it passes through. There are 23 trestles along the trail that range in length from 34 feet to 430 feet. Interpretive signs along the trail signify points of interest to trail users. Drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, and parking areas are also provided.

For more information about Tunnel Hill State Trail, write or call:

Tunnel Hill State Trail
Highway 146
Vienna, IL 62995
(618) 658-2168

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