Illinois · Hiking

Buzzard Point

1.7 mi
loop
882 ft
high point
Loop
route
Easy
difficulty
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Buzzard Point open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Buzzard Point, 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 Point is an easy hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is about 1.7 miles long and sits at a natural surface, with horses allowed and bikes not. It is a short outing, estimated to take about half an hour, and it stays open year-round. The route rises from about 830 feet to 882 feet, with a total gain of 186 feet and a loss of 265 feet. The steepest stretch comes early, at about 0.09 miles in, with a 7% grade. The high point is only about 50 feet above the low, so the climb is gentle. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Rosiclare show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F, while July and August average about 86°F. That station sits roughly 480 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the hike run a little cooler. Several other trails start close by, including Buzzard Hollow and High Knob Ranch, each about 0.3 miles away, and Two Towers at about half a mile. Pharoah Campground - Garden Of The Gods is about 1.3 miles off.

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

    Best time to visit Buzzard Point

    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.