Illinois · Hiking

Chambers

ChambersPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
1.7 mi
round trip
241 ft
climb
710 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Chambers open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Chambers is an easy, short hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. It covers about 1.7 miles out and back, with a low of 636 feet and a high of 710 feet. The trail is on natural ground, and the Forest Service allows horses. Bikes are not permitted. The route is gentle, with a total elevation gain of about 50 feet. The steepest stretch comes early, at around 0.29 miles, with a 7% grade. The trail starts at about 696 feet and reaches its peak at about 710 feet, so the climb is barely worth noting. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Rosiclare put October highs around 69°F with lows near 43°F, and May highs around 75°F. That station sits about 310 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on Chambers run a little cooler. Nearby, the Grand Trail and 34 Ranch Trail are each about 0.6 miles away, and Hart Creek is about 0.9 miles off. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods is about 5 miles away for an overnight stay.

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

    Best time to visit Chambers

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