Illinois · Hiking · Lusk Creek Wilderness · Near Goreville

Cactus

1.8 mi
round trip
469 ft
climb
593 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Cactus open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Cactus is an easy, short out-and-back hike in the Lusk Creek Wilderness, part of the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail is about 1.8 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 94 feet, and it sits at roughly 477 feet at its lowest point and 593 feet at its high point. The route crosses a natural surface and is open year-round. The climb is gentle, with the steepest grade of about 10% at around 0.46 miles from the start. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. For comfortable weather, late spring and early fall are the most pleasant times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs of about 77°F in May and 82°F in September, with October highs near 71°F. Saltpeter Cave is just 0.1 mile away, and Barger Branch and Wishing Well are each within about a mile. For an overnight stay, Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 6 miles off.

Around this trail

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

    Bear Branch Horse Resort

    Campground

    Campground · 2.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 17 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Cactus

    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, 9.4 mi away at 527 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.