Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Cedar

1.7 mi
round trip
161 ft
climb
633 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Cedar open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Cedar is a short, easy out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, about 1.7 miles long with a total elevation gain of 161 feet. The trail starts at roughly 583 feet and reaches a high point of 633 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.14 miles in, where the grade reaches 7 percent. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is natural-surfaced. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F, and May highs around 77°F. Summer runs hotter, with July highs near 88°F. The hike takes about half an hour, and it is open year-round. Cedar Grove and H Connect both lie about 0.2 miles away, and White is about half a mile off. For an overnight stay, Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is about 3.5 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 2.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Cedar

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

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