Illinois · Hiking

Bill Hill

3.4 mi
round trip
746 ft
climb
684 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Bill Hill open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Bill Hill, so check the source for the area it covers (2 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Bill Hill is a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail runs on natural surface and is managed by the Forest Service. The trip starts at an elevation of 558 feet and climbs to 684 feet before returning, with a total elevation gain and loss of 746 feet. The route is rated moderate. The steepest stretch comes about 0.6 miles in, where the grade reaches 14 percent. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Rosiclare put May highs around 75°F and October highs around 69°F, while July and August climb to about 86°F. That station sits about 284 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the hill run a bit cooler. The hike is close to other trails. Hogg Cemetery Trail is 0.1 mile away, North Gap Trail is 0.3 mile away and Grand Pierre Creek is 0.5 mile away. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods is about 5.8 miles off.

  • Best time to go · Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov

    Best time to visit Bill Hill

    Best months: March–June and September–November. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      41° / 22°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 33°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      75° / 53°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 62°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 65°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 63°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 43°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 33°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 26°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rosiclare 5nw, IL, 4.7 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.