Illinois · Hiking

Buzzard Hollow

Buzzard HollowPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.6 mi
round trip
254 ft
climb
755 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Buzzard Hollow open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Buzzard Hollow is an easy out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail is short, at about 1.6 miles, and the one-way climb is 93 feet, making it a gentle walk that pairs well with other nearby trails. The route rises from about 650 feet to a high point of 755 feet, with the steepest section coming around 0.38 miles in at about 5 percent grade. The trail has a natural surface, and horses are allowed, while bikes are not. Fall is a comfortable time to go. At a nearby weather station, October typically averages highs near 69°F and lows around 43°F, with September and October the driest stretch of the year. The trail is open year-round and takes about half an hour to complete. Other options close by include High Knob Ranch, just 0.1 mile away, Buzzard Point at 0.3 mile, and Rose Creek Loop at 0.6 mile. For camping, Pharoah Campground - Garden Of The Gods sits about a mile off.

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

    Best time to visit Buzzard Hollow

    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, 9.2 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.