Tunnel Hill State Trail
Tunnel Hill State Trail
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- Renee PDes Moines, Iowa102 contributionsGreat for newbie bike riders and chillaxing exercise.Ok newbies, this is a smooth crushed fine rock trail with slight inclines and gentle hills. I typically can ride 15-20 (11-15mph) with a few hills and I was able to do 20, and will go again tomorrow. Nice shade cover. Benches. Pretty empty while riding.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2023
- iowacityia1,772 contributionsSunday, October 16th morning ride.My wife and I started our ride from the Vienna depot trailhead around 0930hrs. It was kind of chilly, so we only saw a couple other riders for the first 2 hours or so. Our plan was to ride north to the end of the trail, then returning to Vienna. According to the AllTrails app that we use and love, it was about 26.7 miles one way. We got to around mile 18, and there was a huge tree down. So it was a quick backtrack, then a short road ride to reconnect with the trail. Then perhaps another mile or so down the road, from a distance, we saw a black dog parked in the middle of the trai, barking at us. It would not leave, so we decided against going any further and risking a dog attack. Instead we went back to the Vienna trailhead, the proceeded about 8 miles south, then did a turn around. This way we still got the mileage we were hoping for with the northern out and back. The southern section was for us, quite pretty. And a nice change from the northern segment. We enjoyed the trai, and would certainly do it again.Visited October 2022Written October 24, 2022
- Heather R9 contributionsGorgeous ViewsWe visited this bike trail while camping in Vienna. We have three 9 year old children. We biked from Vienna to Tunnel Hill (where the actual tunnel is). To give you an idea of the physicality of this trip we are not avid bikers and we’re not in exceptional shape. Just your average peeps. Round trip was just shy of 19 miles and it took us just under 3 hours. There was a slight, but ever present incline when heading towards Tunnel Hill. However, it did make for a much easier ride back. The trail is well maintained. There were lots of bridges and several tunnels. And there was one bridge that seemed to easily extend 100’ over the river and put you right in the tree-tops! The tunnel was gorgeous and longer than expected. It’s disorienting riding through it, but what an experience.Visited May 2020Traveled with familyWritten May 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
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LRPajon
Chicago, IL4 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
This is a great, well maintained bike trail. We explored the stretch of trail between Vienna and Tunnel Hill. Gorgeous woodland as you cross thru Shawnee. We also took the stretch from Vienna to the Cache River wetlands. We were able to park our bikes and hike the trails the rest of the day. Highly recommend if you are looking for a smooth, pleasant riding experience.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muskietime
United States61 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Parked the truck in New Burnside, IL at a Trail Stop (next to the Post Office) & started south on bikes via the crushed limestone bike trail. Note that there was a washroom facility...if you really had to use it at that location. It was about 7 miles south to the Tunnel.
There is a nice Trail Stop .2 miles north of the Tunnel if you choose to drive or have difficulty walking. Washrooms & water fountain at that stop. The stop is on Tunnel Hill Road at Possum Road, Ozarks, IL.
Young and old will Love the experience of walking or riding into & then out of the Tunnel without lights. Trail is very level (it is an old railroad bed so the grade is about 2 degrees at any time).
Wife made a pretty good amateur video of the bicycle ride through the Tunnel but not sure how to post it.
There is a nice Trail Stop .2 miles north of the Tunnel if you choose to drive or have difficulty walking. Washrooms & water fountain at that stop. The stop is on Tunnel Hill Road at Possum Road, Ozarks, IL.
Young and old will Love the experience of walking or riding into & then out of the Tunnel without lights. Trail is very level (it is an old railroad bed so the grade is about 2 degrees at any time).
Wife made a pretty good amateur video of the bicycle ride through the Tunnel but not sure how to post it.
Written September 7, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barry
Marion, Illinois, United States64 contributions
May 2018 • Family
This place is the most overlooked thing in Illinois! The Tunnel Hill Bike Trail is a life experience! Take interstate 57 to the Tunnel Hill exit, head east a few miles until you see the parking lot on your left. Jump on your bike or walk to enjoy nature! Trail is even easy for wheelchairs. Totally safe for all. Make sure to go at least two miles to the tall bridge! Beautiful views!
Written May 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Muskietime
United States61 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Rode part of the trail last year w/ wife & enjoyed it. Not really cyclists but the trail is very level with grades being slight and gradual. Not many places to stop along the trail. There is a parking lot near the Tunnel so young and old can walk or cycle through the Tunnel. There will be sticks, leaves, some puddles and other things on the trail as you may expect riding in the Country. Bring bug spray and water. Have fun.
Written August 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pimponce_11
Vienna, IL31 contributions
Oct 2014
Whether you're just interested in a nice walk or a really long bike ride this is the place for you. The trail is closed to vehicles and all four wheelers.
The trail is well-maintained and kept free of debris, and is covered with very fine gravel which makes it really nice for bike riding.
The center of the trail is located in the town of Vienna, Illinois in the city park. There is plenty of parking available and a small station there for information or any questions that you might have. You can also pick up a map of the trail there at the station.
From the station at Vienna most people tend to travel north, about 12 miles up the trail will be the tunnel Hill station. Enroute to here you will cross several small bridges, cross a train tressel, and go through a very large old train tunnel.
At one time there were bikes to rent but I don't believe they have those anymore.
Located in scenic southern Illinois, this makes for a very great afternoon or make a day of it. it's especially beautiful in the spring and fall.The best part of all it's absolutely free.
There are plenty of restaurants and gas stations nearby. So if you're looking for a great place for a family adventure look no farther than the Tunnel Hill State Trail located in Vienna, Illinois.
The trail is well-maintained and kept free of debris, and is covered with very fine gravel which makes it really nice for bike riding.
The center of the trail is located in the town of Vienna, Illinois in the city park. There is plenty of parking available and a small station there for information or any questions that you might have. You can also pick up a map of the trail there at the station.
From the station at Vienna most people tend to travel north, about 12 miles up the trail will be the tunnel Hill station. Enroute to here you will cross several small bridges, cross a train tressel, and go through a very large old train tunnel.
At one time there were bikes to rent but I don't believe they have those anymore.
Located in scenic southern Illinois, this makes for a very great afternoon or make a day of it. it's especially beautiful in the spring and fall.The best part of all it's absolutely free.
There are plenty of restaurants and gas stations nearby. So if you're looking for a great place for a family adventure look no farther than the Tunnel Hill State Trail located in Vienna, Illinois.
Written February 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bill W
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States75 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
We biked the southernmost 15 miles of the Tunnel Hill bike trail (from Vienna to Karnak). The trail is an old railway right of way, surfaced with crushed rock. The trail is in excellent condition.
If you travel in the summer, watch for snakes on the trail warming themselves in the sun. We saw 4-5 snakes in 30 miles of biking.
There are several nice side trips that can be made. Heron Pond is about a mile bike ride and half a mile of walking out of the way. It is a fairly mature cypress swamp. I don't know if we just got lucky with the weather, but when we visited there were virtually no mosquitoes. Toward Karnak there's a very nice interpretive center. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders.
If you travel in the summer, watch for snakes on the trail warming themselves in the sun. We saw 4-5 snakes in 30 miles of biking.
There are several nice side trips that can be made. Heron Pond is about a mile bike ride and half a mile of walking out of the way. It is a fairly mature cypress swamp. I don't know if we just got lucky with the weather, but when we visited there were virtually no mosquitoes. Toward Karnak there's a very nice interpretive center. Visit in the summer and enjoy the ruby throated hummingbirds in the flowers and at the feeders.
Written September 18, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
trailgirl444
Harrisburg, IL20 contributions
Apr 2019 • Couples
Tunnel Hill Trail is a well maintained 44 mile long trail that we've ridden numerous times. We've ridden everything from Carrier Mills south to the end of the trail...but the southern end of the trail is the most scenic - and also the best maintained and most used. So anywhere south of Vienna or from Vienna to Tunnel Hill are the best sections to ride if your time is limited. These sections are also mostly shaded which really help in the summer. The bluffs, creeks, wildlife, tunnel, trestles,and wooden bridges along the way make the ride interesting. There are ebike rentals available from Shawnee Hill Ebike. Vienna has a couple fast food places but there's a Mexican restaurant called El Tequilas that we really like. It's not fancy but it has good food. Vienna also has a nice park next to the trail with playground equipment and picnic areas.
Written June 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carla V
340 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
A well maintained crushed gravel trail with a lot of tree cover. Do recommend you have an LED light of some kind while going through the tunnel.
Recommend you bring along snacks and/or lunch as there are virtually no towns to stop to eat at (part of the fun for me to stop in a small town!).
Vienna - recommend the Vienna Diner
Carrier Mills - recommend the Wildcat Pizza Restaurant
Sanborn - only has self pay store bought ice cream bars in the freezer, Gatorade, jellies (not local). Maybe stocked better at other times as several empty refrigerators
We biked up to the tunnel and back from one end and then the other end of the trail. We started in Harrisburg after first stopping in Eldorado and seeing the first seven miles (one way) has no tree cover, being in the 90s, didn't want to bike the last 7 miles in the sun at the end of our ride.
Recommend this trail!
Recommend you bring along snacks and/or lunch as there are virtually no towns to stop to eat at (part of the fun for me to stop in a small town!).
Vienna - recommend the Vienna Diner
Carrier Mills - recommend the Wildcat Pizza Restaurant
Sanborn - only has self pay store bought ice cream bars in the freezer, Gatorade, jellies (not local). Maybe stocked better at other times as several empty refrigerators
We biked up to the tunnel and back from one end and then the other end of the trail. We started in Harrisburg after first stopping in Eldorado and seeing the first seven miles (one way) has no tree cover, being in the 90s, didn't want to bike the last 7 miles in the sun at the end of our ride.
Recommend this trail!
Written September 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bruce S
Cape Girardeau, MO61 contributions
Aug 2017 • Solo
Started in Vienna and rode 25 miles out and back. This is my fourth time riding some part of the trail and it is well maintained, signed, and a great ride. Be sure to bring your own water as there are not spaces along the trail to resupply too often. the trail is a crushed limestone and I've ridden it with road bike tires and most recently with cyclocross tires. The cyclocross were by far the best, however people ride the trail with MTB tired also.
Written August 4, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa O
Saint Louis, MO31 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We got on the trail at 146 in Vienna. Flat chat with mixed flat dirt. Great running with lots of trees for shade. Mile markers along the way make it nice. Had a picnic dinner at the park when done running. Very nice- clean and beautiful. Its 9.3 to the tunnel from here. We saw lots of deer! A mama and 2 fawns. Spectacular sunset! Highly recommend this spot!!
Written June 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patrick N
Marion, IL2 contributions
If we want to just walk to and through the tunnel how far is the distance to the tunnel from where we park?
Maricruz R
Carpentersville, IL10 contributions
Is there any place near by where I can rent a bike at?
Miller J
4 contributions
Yes, at Sandburn Junction. Call proprietor Brian Aldrich at 618-771-2825. Besides operating a greenhouse right on the trail, they also offer bicycle rentals and shuttles, snacks, ice cream and cold drinks, plus fishing bait, bike repair parts and some repairs, and primitive camping.
John W
Oklahoma City, OK2 contributions
I'd like to ride the Tunnel Hill trail, but I can't do 110 miles in one day. My preference is to start near the middle of the trail, ride to one end and back, then do the same the next day to the other end. BUT there doesn't seem to be anyplace to stay (hotel/motel) anywhere near the center. What would you suggest?
ILBoomerTraveller
Orland Park, IL170 contributions
A few nice hotels in Marion, IL and we just drove to the trail heads and rode from there. Nothing around in the center of the trail.
IlliniTrav
Phoenix, AZ6,357 contributions
We'd like to ride about 10 to 20 miles total. Any suggestions on the best places to ride along Tunnel Hill Trail? Where exactly could we park, and which direction? I guess the tunnel would be a must see here?
Barry
Marion, Illinois, United States64 contributions
Exit off of interstate 24 at the Tunnel Hill exit. Head east until you see the Tunnel Hill Trail parking lot. Start there right by the Tunnel and ride to Karnak and back.
WavesandBeaches
Pismo Beach, CA3 contributions
Does the Tunnel Hill State Trail have much shade, or is it all exposed to full sun?
Thanks
Lisa O
Saint Louis, MO31 contributions
Most of the portion we were on was tree covered and filtered sun. Very good b/c of melanoma for both of us.
Brian M
Fairview Heights, IL93 contributions
Are there discounts offered for military or seniors?
lovethesnow11
Breckenridge, CO155 contributions
The trail is free!
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Claim your listingTunnel Hill State Trail (Vienna) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Tunnel Hill State Trail
- Hotels near Tunnel Hill State Trail:
- (2.76 mi) Country Schemes Bed and Breakfast
- (2.82 mi) Shawnee Forest Campground
- (4.81 mi) Perkins House Inn
- (3.51 mi) Hotel 7 Inn
- (5.35 mi) Peaceful Cottage Retreat near Shawnee National Forest
- Restaurants near Tunnel Hill State Trail:
- (4.05 mi) Vienna Diner
- (3.87 mi) El Tequila Mex Restaurant
- (4.60 mi) Neds Shed
- (3.64 mi) Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
- (3.57 mi) Subway
Tunnel Hill State Trail Information
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| Very Good Reviews | 12 |
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