Illinois · Hiking · Clear Springs Wilderness · Near Goreville

Bridgeman

2.6 mi
round trip
436 ft
climb
736 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Bridgeman open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Bridgeman, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

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

Bridgeman is an easy out-and-back hike in the Clear Springs Wilderness, part of the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail is about 2.6 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 436 feet, and it starts at roughly 496 feet, rising to a high point of 736 feet before returning to the starting level. The route is natural-surface and allows horses, and bikes are not permitted. The climb is steepest at about 0.23 miles in, with a grade of 14 percent, so plan for a short, steady walk rather than a long, continuous climb. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna run to highs around 71°F in April and 73°F in October, while July highs average about 90°F. The hike is open year-round, and the trip takes about an hour. Godwin and Spring House Trail are both within a mile, and Pine Hills Campground is about 4 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Pine Hills Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 4.2 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Havisham Bourbon Bar

    Bar

    On your way back · 4 mi
  • If it rains

    Cobden Museum

    Museum

    On your way back · 8 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Bridgeman

    Best months: March–May 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

      45° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      50° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 37°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 46°

      11 wet

    5. May

      79° / 56°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 69°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 67°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 59°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 48°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 37°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 30°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Anna 2 Nne, IL, 10.8 mi away at 640 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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