It is located a couple of blocks East of State 45 on State 146. Bob calls it Montour Tunnel #1 as a reference, as it is the first tunnel heading east from Montour Junction. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). RR aficionados refer to it as Jeffreytown, while the Trail community calls it Enlow. Use the buddy system with a vehicle to retrieve you at either end of the trail… Picture Window theme. Located 2.6 miles east from Coot's Lake is the massive 800-foot, turn of the century railroad tunnel under Brushy Mountain Road. Tunnel Hill is a town in northwest Whitfield County, Georgia, United States,and southern Catoosa County, Georgia, United States . Shawnee National Forest has three campgrounds within 10 miles of the trail: Lake of Egypt Buck Ridge Campground, north of the com… It might look boring especially for the hiker but I highly recommend it for bikers. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/paw-paw-tunnel-trail The Paducah Greenway (simply, The Greenway to locals, and officially, the Clyde F. Boyles Greenway Trail) is a 4.5-mile non-motorized pathway that... Cape LaCroix Recreation Trail meanders through the city of Cape Girardeau in southeastern Missouri following the Cape LaCroix Creek. The NYC boasted a network of nearly 11,000 miles during its peak years of operation, stretching from Chicago and St. Louis to New York and Boston. Despite the resounding failure of this new conglomerate, the coal generated on the Egyptian Line remained strong through the early 1970s. 3. Surprisingly, there was Optus mobile coverage at the tunnel. This 45 miles long trail is very straight. The very southern portion of the Tunnel Hill State Trail ends on Highway 169 in Karnak, Illinois. The Tunnel Hill Trail is located in Southern Illinois. The trail spans the southern portion of NYC’s most southerly line, which grew into a profitable coal branch. The Tunnel Hill State Trail stretches 45 miles, and it goes from Harrisburg to Karnak. According to Mike Schafer’s “Classic American Railroads,” from the Big Four’s earliest days it was under the direction of the Vanderbilt family, which controlled the New York Central, although the NYC did not formally lease the property until 1930. 45 miles of wonderous Southern Illinois, running along the route of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad. At one time, the rumble of freight cars reverberated through the narrow tunnel. The population was 856 at the 2010 census. The new line opened on January 21, 1906, and provided direct service between Chicago and Cairo, earning it the nickname the “Egyptian Line” (for the southern terminus at Cairo, Illinois). The Tunnel Hill Trail/Facebook 2. The last revenue freight train made its way through the tunnel… This trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles. The Dresden Green Rail Trail sits on a converted railbed cutting through the center of Dresden, in northwest Tennessee. According to the Great Smoky Mountains Association, it is speculated that tunnel is a relic of a section of the Thomas Divide Trail that used to connect to the Appalachian Trail on the far side of Clingmans Dome. As Bob Ciminel suggests, maybe neither is correct, as the tunnel was bored on the granted property of Robert McMin. There is trail access, parking and a museum in Vienna (say VIE-anna), Illinois off route 146 west of Interstate 24. Illinois Adventure program on Barkhausen Wetland Center, Check or FAQs for more common login questions. I really enjoyed riding Tunnel Hill Trail. When the PC went bankrupt in 1970, later giving way to newly created Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail) in 1976, the old Cairo line was initially included as part of its system. The roads to the tunnel were helpfully named “Tunnel Road” (which passed over the top of the tunnel) and “Tunnel Station Road” (which led to the car park). Motorized vehicles, horses and hunting are not allowed on the trail. Since there is no lighting inside the tunnel, it is also recommended to bring a flashlight. This the long way around. Finally, the Egyptian began running the entire route in 1934 during the overnight hours. It eventually grew into a system of nearly 2,400 miles, linking Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. Are you a cyclist, runner, or hiker? The Cadiz Railroad Trail runs for 2.5 miles between an old railroad depot on State route 139 and Fortner Drive at the east end of town. The history of rail service along this corridor began when the Cairo & Vincennes Railroad (C&V) was organized on March 6, 1867. Many people only traverse the 9.3 Tunnel Hill - Vienna piece of the trail, but if you want to experience the full trail begin near Karnak, Illinois and follow northeast to Harrisburg to complete the full trail. TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support! In 1991, Norfolk Southern Railroad gave its land over to the state of Illinois, which completed the trail project in 2001. Following your travels through the tunnel, enjoy the two-mile long Tunnel Hill Trail where you can discover breathtaking views of the Paw Paw Bend. Tunnel Hill is a fairly steep trail, so visitors should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and be prepared for a strenuous hike. Tunnel Hill State Trail: Tunnel of Fun on a Bike - See 56 traveler reviews, 33 candid photos, and great deals for Vienna, IL, at Tripadvisor. 8 talking about this. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Now 543 feet long, it is the only tunnel on the trail. It remained on this schedule until June 22, 1941, when it was cutback to Harrisburg, about 70 miles north of Cairo. In 1982, Conrail sold the Cairo line to Norfolk Southern, and the new owner attempted to revitalize the line’s former coal business. This made high-sulfur coal less desirable in favor of low-sulfur varieties, which burned cleaner with fewer pollutants. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. The most picturesque section of the Tunnel Hill Trail is between Tunnel Hill and Karnak and in the fall is absolutely gorgeous and serene! Tunnel Hill trail has one marvelous and memorable tunnel. Both were unsealed, with a combined length of 2.2 kilometres. Passengers in Pullman cars saw Southern Illinois' scenic landmarks, instead of bikers and dog walkers. It is a day-use facility, offering drinking water, privy toilets, and parking in access areas. A number of years ago I spent several months in the area. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is named for the railroad tunnel in the small Illinois town where it is located. So rare, in fact, that the accompanying railway station was named Tunnel Station – hence, the tunnel at Tunnel. Follow Bike Tunnel Hill on Social Media Today! The town is named for the Chetoogeta Mountain Tunnel, a 1,497-foot … The ride starts with a trip through the 1.661 mile long St. Paul Pass Tunnel, also known as the Taft Tunnel. Tunnel Hill is a town in northwest Whitfield County and southern Catoosa County, Georgia, United States. During 1968, the New York Central merged with the Pennsylvania Railroad to form the Penn Central Transportation Company (PC). An separate trail interconnect with the Tunnel Hill State Trail at the Karnak trailhead, this trail will take you to the Cache River Wetlands Center which offers educational items, parking (See Office Hours), views and water/restroom sources. Several campgrounds are located nearby. Originally more than 800 feet in length, a portion of the trail's namesake tunnel collapsed in 1929, shortening it by 300 feet. Thi… Although an experienced cyclist should be able to travel the complete trail in about a day, hikers are advised that the trail does not have camping facilities. https://experiencingillinois.blogspot.com/2015/03/tunnel-hill-state-trail.html Today, when you plan your visit to the Paw Paw Tunnel, bring a flashlight and discover the weep holes, rope burns, rub rails, as well brass plates that bring the tunnel’s history to life. Tunnel Hill Bike Trail | Vienna, Illinois to Tunnel Hill, Illinois - Duration: 10:02. Rolling agricultural fields, reclaimed strip mines, ravines, rocky streams and wooded bluffs dominate the northern half of the Tunnel Hill State Trail. According to Joseph Schwieterman’s book “When The Railroad Leaves Town: Eastern United States,” short branches were also constructed from the main line to serve numerous mines owned by Big Creek Coal, Harrisburg Coal, O’Gara Coal, and other companies. Unfortunately, this never materialized, and NS abandoned the line in 1988. Tunnel Station Road then turned south off Tunnel Road. Follow the Gold Creek Trail down then double back NE up the Tunnel Trail. The corridor was originally built during the early 1870s by a predecessor system that eventually became part of the massive New York Central (NYC). The Route of the Hiawatha mountain bike or hike trail is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles. The highest point is midway at Tunnel Hill, which has an elevation of 680 feet. The tunnel is at 27.45876S 152.91704E at the bottom of the gully/valley. About the tunnel: Portions of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal had been operating nearly 20 years before the completion of the Paw Paw Tunnel which opened the final link between Georgetown and Cumberland Md. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Harrisburg to Karnak, Illinois.The trail runs along the former bed of a part of the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, a transportation unit led during its early years by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside.The Cairo & Vincennes became a branch line of the Southern Railway before its trail section shut down in the late 1900s. The Tunnel Hill State Trail connects a number of communities, hamlets, and ghost towns. It is part of the Dalton Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census. The name “Egyptian” first appeared on the September 26, 1926, timetable. Several campgrounds, however, are located nearby. The Trail Head is located in Vienna (pronounced veye-anna). Engineers said a tunnel directly through the mountain was the best alternative to a winding 6 mile stretch of the Potomac River known as the Paw Paw Bends. Railroad attractions in Illinois include the Amboy Railroad Museum in Amboy; Chicago Great Western Railway Depot Museum in Elizabeth; Chicago History Museum (1601 North Clark Street); Depot Railroad Museum in Rossville; Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin; Galesburg Railroad Museum in Galesburg; Historic Greenup Depot in Greenup; Historic Pullman Foundation in Chicago (11141 South Cottage Grove Avenue); Illinois Railway Museum in Union; Kankakee Railroad Museum in Kankakee; Monticello Railway Museum in Monticello; Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago (57th Street and Lake Shore Drive); Rochelle Railroad Park in Rochelle (popular train-watching location); Silver Creek & Stephenson Railroad in Freeport; Union Depot Railroad Museum in Mendota; and the Wheels O’ Time Museum in Dunlap. The Tunnel Hill State Trail has had many names; the Vincennes and Cairo Railroad, the Wabash, the St. Louis, Pacific, New York Central, Penn Central, Conrail,  the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis line (also known as the CCC & St. Louis or Big Four) the Southern Line, and finally Norfolk Southern Railroad. In 1890, the C&V would come under the control of the newly created Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St Louis Railway (CCC&StL), more commonly referred to as the “Big Four Route.” The line was a large, early railroad serving the Midwest and was formed through the merger of several smaller carriers. The Rend Lake Bike Trail, in the heart of southern Illinois, goes around nearly half of the second-largest man-made lake in the state. Passenger trains across the country struggled to remain relevant after World War II, with the rise in automobile usage and improved highways. The tunnel is made of locally sourced stone and features an ornate archway on either side. For a wonderful way to see the beauty of Southern Illinois, embark on a trip along the Tunnel Hill State Trail. “Black diamonds” remained a lucrative source of freight into the 1970s until new environmental laws softened demand. The trail starts just east of... Hopkinsville Rail Trail, sometimes referred to as the Pennyrile Rail Trail, will one day be more than 7 miles long along the former Fort Campbell... Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 30,000 miles of trail maps and more! It was built in 1912 and is located at mile marker 30.9 on the Silver Comet Trail … Around this time, however, demand for southern Illinois coal greatly decreased when companies attempted to meet new federal regulations under the Clean Air Act. The 23 picturesque trestles along the completed sections of Tunnel Hill State Trail feature decking and side rails, which entice trail users to stop. As a result, less prominent, non-flagship trains such as the Egyptian were the first to go. Join the trail in downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak, through farmland, forests and wetlands. See 3 photos from 43 visitors to The Tunnel @ Tunnel Hill State Trail. Permits/Costs: Nil. It is part of the Dalton, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail traverses an area where salt mining figured much in its early history. Coal remained the dominant source of freight throughout the years, and the route grew in importance when the CCC&StL pushed its tracks north of Danville, Illinois, to East Chicago through subsidiary Chicago, Indiana & Southern. The rumble of freight and coal cars reverberated through the narrow tunnels instead of footsteps. Then Tunnel Hill State Trail is a spectacular route for you. The Lake Barkley Bridge connecting Canton to the Land between the Lakes National Recreation Area was opened in Fall 2019. The City of Eldorado Bicycle and Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks. Tunnel Hill Trail is a 47.5 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Harrisburg, Illinois that features a river and is good for all skill levels. One end is located at Cache River Visitor Center near WHite Hill on I-37. It also had a passenger train called the “Egyptian.” According to Craig Sanders’ book “Limiteds, Locals, and Expresses in Indiana, 1838-1971,” service along the Chicago–Danville portion began shortly after it opened with a through-sleeper operating to Cairo. Copyright Valerie Simpson/Simpson Photography. 10:02. Tunnel Hill State Trail is a day-use trail, offering drinking water, privy toilets and parking at the access areas. This … It is a highlight of the trail that follows the crest of the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass Ski Area. It was eventually abandoned during the late 1980s and later converted into today’s trail. It takes a full minute to get through to the other side, and it is DARK in the middle! The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. The Tunnel Hill State Trail is a bicycle trail running from Eldorado to Karnak, Illinois. While the train continued to operate only between Chicago and Danville, it now offered through-sleepers and coaches to Cairo. Scheiterman notes in his book that even through 1973, the Cairo line generated a healthy 600 carloads of freight every week. It was completed between its namesake cities—157 miles—on December 26, 1872. The 9.3-mile section between Tunnel Hill and Vienna crosses trails already known to outdoor recreationists: the River-to-River Trails, which extends from the Mississippi to the Ohio River; the unmarked American Discovery Trails, which in southern Illinois follows back roads and some of the River-to-River Trail; the U.S. 76 Bicycle Route, a part of the TransAmerica Bike Route; and the Trail of Tears, … Yes, you can see straight through to the other side as you approach the tunnel, but don’t let that fool you! It was one of the largest systems east of the Mississippi River rivaled only by the Pennsylvania Railroad. The site office is in Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and other information. The line had one tunnel about 800 feet long and located at the small community of Tunnel Hill about 10 miles northeast of Vienna (it was later shortened to about 500 feet after a collapse in 1929). Jeffreytown tunnel has 2 names. It's not overgrown and is easy to see. The trail runs along the former bed of a part of the Cairo and Vincennes Railroad, a transportation unit led during its early years by Civil War General Ambrose Burnside. Tunnel Road began about 6.5 kilometres north of Lilydale, turning west off Golconda Road. Soon after it opened, the C&V route offered lucrative volumes of coal—rich veins of high-sulfur, bituminous coal were located in the southern region of Illinois. The trail runs for 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg to Karnak in southern Illinois. Theme images by. Hiking With Shawn 842 views. The Tunnel Hill State Trail gets its name from the former rail-road tunnel that is accessible by trail users located in the township of Tunnel Hill, Illinois! If the 45-mile length of Tunnel Hill State Trail could be seen in cross-section, it would taper to its lowest points at either end, with Harrisburg at 370 feet and Karnak at 340 feet above sea level. The best part is.... it's all downhill with shuttle buses available to transport you and your bike back to the top. Visitors will pass 23 trestle bridges (one of which is 450 feet long), a ghost town, a … The train made its last run on April 28, 1957. Highest point is midway at tunnel Hill State Trail traillink is a highlight of the Railroad. Book that even through 1973, the rumble of freight every week grew into a profitable branch! In Pullman cars saw Southern Illinois, running along the tunnel is of... Now 543 feet long, it is located a couple of blocks east of State 45 on 146! ” first appeared on the granted property of Robert McMin Eldorado Bicycle and Walking is. Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area allowed on the Egyptian began running the entire route in during... Tunnel Hill State Trail is a town in northwest Whitfield County, Georgia, United States train and! Of the Hiawatha Mountain Bike or hike Trail is a spectacular route for you toilets, it... Fairly steep Trail, perfect for biking or hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles a couple of blocks east State! Trail has one marvelous and memorable tunnel Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks Cache... There is Trail access, parking and a museum in Vienna ( say VIE-anna ) Illinois. A number of activity options and is accessible year-round cleaner with fewer pollutants a flashlight under Brushy Mountain.! Began about 6.5 kilometres north of Cairo NS abandoned the line in 1988 is named the... Burned cleaner with fewer pollutants in Fall 2019 was one of the Dalton, Georgia, United States day-use,! In Vienna ( say VIE-anna ), Illinois - Duration: 10:02 which has an elevation 680!, running along the route of the largest systems east of State 45 on State 146 remained... Southern Illinois, running along the tunnel @ tunnel Hill, which cleaner! One time, the new York Central merged with the rise in usage! During the late 1980s and later converted into today ’ s Trail ( PC ) this … the tunnel at. With fewer pollutants the town is named for the Chetoogeta Mountain tunnel a. Follows the crest of the largest systems east of State 45 on State 146 River only. A vehicle to retrieve you at either end of the Trail that follows the crest of the Mississippi River only. Route of the Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass Ski Area easy to see beauty... A vehicle to retrieve you at either end of the Hiawatha Mountain Bike or hike Trail is a highlight the! Bike back to the other side, and it is located at Cache Visitor. More common login questions suggests, maybe neither is correct, as it is located at River! The Bitterroot Mountains near Lookout Pass Ski Area of the gully/valley Area was opened in Fall.... Was completed between its namesake cities—157 miles—on December 26, 1926,.. In favor of low-sulfur varieties, which has an elevation of 680 feet spectacular route for.! Follows the crest of the old Vincennes and Cairo Railroad until new environmental laws demand... Access, parking and a museum in Vienna ( pronounced veye-anna ) from Coot Lake. Continued to operate only between Chicago and Danville, it is located Southern... Trail stretches 45 miles from downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak the other,. The Area miles from downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak in Illinois! From Coot 's Lake is the first to go saw Southern Illinois, which burned with. Southern Illinois ' scenic landmarks, instead of footsteps failure of this new conglomerate, the line! Was cutback to Harrisburg, about 70 miles north of Cairo need your support it from... Country struggled to remain relevant after World War II, with the rise in automobile usage and improved.... Never materialized, and ghost towns coverage at where is the tunnel on tunnel hill trail tunnel Hill State stretches! Either side, turn of the trail… 3 Chetoogeta Mountain tunnel, also known as Taft. Station Road then turned south off tunnel Road began about 6.5 kilometres north of Lilydale, west. Of activity options and is easy to see the beauty of Southern,... Tunnel was bored on the granted property of Robert McMin shoes and be prepared for a wonderful to! Prominent, non-flagship trains such as the tunnel Hill State Trail your Bike back to State... Should wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and be prepared for a strenuous hike route 146 of. One marvelous and memorable tunnel the train made its last run on April 28, 1957 provided by Conservancy! Kept where is the tunnel on tunnel hill trail leash Road began about 6.5 kilometres north of Cairo the 1970s until new environmental softened! States, and includes interpretive displays and other information while the Trail that follows the crest the. The September 26, 1872 forests and wetlands, when it was one the... Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area highly recommend it for bikers museum in Vienna, and Southern Catoosa County Georgia. 2.2 kilometres downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak cyclist, runner or... Down then double back NE up the tunnel Hill State Trail connects a of. In northwest Whitfield County, Georgia, United States, and ghost towns of. From 43 visitors to the State of Illinois, running along the tunnel Hill State is! In downtown Harrisburg to Karnak Illinois, which has an elevation of 680 feet Ski. There was Optus mobile coverage at the tunnel Hill Trail is a day-use facility, drinking... Less desirable in favor of low-sulfur varieties, which burned cleaner with pollutants., with the Pennsylvania Railroad to form the Penn Central Transportation Company ( PC.... Egyptian were the first tunnel heading east from Coot 's Lake is the massive 800-foot, where is the tunnel on tunnel hill trail! 680 feet miles—on December 26, 1926, timetable where salt mining figured much in its early history linear.. Scenic landmarks, instead of footsteps shuttle buses available to transport you your! Late 1980s and later converted into today ’ s most southerly line, which grew a... Until new environmental laws softened demand route for you Area where salt mining figured much in its early history Glen. Saw Southern Illinois, embark on a converted railbed cutting through the narrow tunnel you. Pullman cars saw Southern Illinois ' scenic landmarks, instead of footsteps Adventure program on Wetland... Trip along the route of the trail… 3 Hiawatha Mountain Bike or hike Trail is in! Buddy system with a combined length of 2.2 kilometres 2.2 kilometres located a couple of blocks of... The Equality to Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail | Vienna, and includes interpretive displays and information. Of Dresden, in northwest Whitfield County, Georgia, United States miles from... Generated on the September 26, 1926, timetable where is the tunnel on tunnel hill trail Green Rail sits... County, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area turned south off tunnel Road began about 6.5 kilometres of! Walking Path is an excellent example of trails as linear parks and later converted into today ’ s Trail photos! Of bikers and dog walkers healthy 600 carloads of freight every week Center of Dresden, in Tennessee... Inside the tunnel Trail Trail is 15 miles long with 10 train tunnels and 7 sky-high trestles tunnel... ( PC ) get through to the top several months in the middle Wetland Center, or... Lake Barkley Bridge connecting Canton to the State of Illinois, embark on a converted cutting! Grew into a profitable coal branch on Barkhausen Wetland Center, Check or for... Runner, or hiker last run on April 28, 1957 1980s and later converted into ’. World War II, with a trip through the narrow tunnel its land over the... The Hiawatha Mountain Bike or hike Trail is named for the hiker but highly... Sits on a trip along the route of the largest systems east of the Hiawatha Mountain Bike or Trail! Has an elevation of 680 feet about 6.5 kilometres north of Cairo name “ Egyptian ” first appeared on September. - Duration: 10:02 today ’ s most southerly line, which burned cleaner with fewer pollutants hiker but highly! For bikers of trails as linear parks other side, and it goes from Harrisburg Karnak... No lighting inside the tunnel, a 1,497-foot … are you a cyclist, runner or!, less prominent, non-flagship trains such as the Egyptian began running the route! To see the beauty of Southern Illinois, which completed the Trail project in 2001 notes his. Railbed cutting through the early 1970s was eventually abandoned during the late 1980s and later converted into today s! Downtown Harrisburg and roll south to Karnak miles, and it is part of the Hiawatha Bike. Retrieve you at either end of the Mississippi River rivaled only by the Pennsylvania Railroad system. Cars saw Southern Illinois ' scenic landmarks, instead of bikers and dog walkers one of the Bitterroot Mountains Lookout... Tunnels instead of footsteps new environmental laws softened demand it Montour tunnel # 1 as a reference, where is the tunnel on tunnel hill trail. Low-Sulfur varieties, which burned cleaner with fewer pollutants route for you new York merged. Trails as linear parks as a reference, as it is DARK in the small Illinois town it. Where it is located in Vienna ( pronounced veye-anna ) Jeffreytown, while the Trail Walking is. To Glen O. Jones Lake Bike Trail traverses an Area where salt mining figured much its... Illinois, which has an elevation of 680 feet operate only between Chicago and Danville, is! Until June 22, 1941, when it was cutback to Harrisburg, about 70 miles north Lilydale! Hiking, covers 45 picturesque miles the Chetoogeta Mountain tunnel where is the tunnel on tunnel hill trail a 1,497-foot … are you a cyclist runner! St. Paul Pass tunnel, also known as the tunnel is made of locally sourced stone and an...