Illinois · Hiking · Bay Creek Wilderness · Near Goreville

Bolton

1.4 mi
round trip
88 ft
climb
764 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Bolton open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Bolton, 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.

Bolton is an easy, short out-and-back hike of about 1.4 miles in the Bay Creek Wilderness, part of the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail rises to a high point of 764 feet from a low of 705 feet, with a total climb of about 88 feet. The route is natural-surface, and horses are allowed. The trail is rated easy, and the climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 3% grade near the middle of the route. It takes about half an hour to complete. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. For timing, fall is a comfortable option. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F and lows near 46°F, while July highs reach about 88°F. Other outings sit close by. Dog Leg is about half a mile away, and Bay Creek Access is about 0.7 miles away. The Forge climbing area and Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs are each about 2.5 miles away.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip
  • Sleep close

    Teal Pond Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 1.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 13 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Bolton

    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

      43° / 25°

      8 wet

    2. Feb

      49° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      59° / 37°

      9 wet

    4. Apr

      70° / 46°

      10 wet

    5. May

      77° / 56°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      85° / 63°

      8 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 66°

      7 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      82° / 57°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      71° / 46°

      7 wet

    11. Nov

      57° / 37°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 29°

      9 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Dixon Springs Agric Ctr, IL, 7.6 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.