Illinois · Hiking

Buttermilk Trail

1.4 mi
round trip
242 ft
climb
725 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Apr, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Buttermilk Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Buttermilk Trail is an easy, out-and-back hike of about 1.4 miles on natural surface in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is rated easy with a total elevation gain of about 240 feet. The climb is front-loaded, with the steepest stretch of about 10% grade near the start. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Carbondale run highs around 68°F in April and 70°F in October, while July averages climb to about 88°F. The trail is open year-round, and the trip takes about half an hour. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. Kinkaid Lake Trail lies about 1.2 miles away, and Rend Lake is about 1.7 miles away. Climbers can find 45 Degree Wall about 2.3 miles off, and Johnson Creek Campground sits about 4.1 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Buttermilk Trail

    Best months: March–April 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

      42° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      47° / 28°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      57° / 36°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 45°

      12 wet

    5. May

      77° / 55°

      14 wet

    6. Jun

      86° / 64°

      12 wet

    7. Jul

      88° / 67°

      12 wet

    8. Aug

      87° / 65°

      12 wet

    9. Sep

      81° / 56°

      11 wet

    10. Oct

      70° / 45°

      10 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 35°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      46° / 28°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Carbondale Southern Il Ap, IL, 12 mi away at 406 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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