Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Den Trail

2.2 mi
distance
175 ft
climb
702 ft
high point
Lollipop
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Den Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Den Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Den Trail is a 2.2-mile loop in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail rises from about 621 feet to a high point of 702 feet, with a total elevation gain of 175 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.38 miles in, where the grade reaches 13 percent. The route is rated easy, and the trail surface is natural. Horses are allowed, but bikes are not. The trail is open year-round, and the trip takes about an hour. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Anna run to highs around 71°F in April and 73°F in October, while July highs average about 90°F. Panther Loop is 0.7 miles away, and Panther Den and the River To River Trail are each about 1.1 miles off. Climbers can find Draper's Bluff about 5.3 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Devil's Kitchen Campground

    Campground

    Campground · 4.4 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Wendy's

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Den Trail

    Best months: March–May 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

      45° / 25°

      9 wet

    2. Feb

      50° / 29°

      8 wet

    3. Mar

      61° / 37°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      71° / 46°

      11 wet

    5. May

      79° / 56°

      12 wet

    6. Jun

      87° / 65°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      90° / 69°

      8 wet

    8. Aug

      89° / 67°

      7 wet

    9. Sep

      83° / 59°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      73° / 48°

      9 wet

    11. Nov

      59° / 37°

      10 wet

    12. Dec

      48° / 30°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Anna 2 Nne, IL, 10.8 mi away at 640 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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