Illinois · Hiking

Dogwood Flats

3.2 mi
round trip
593 ft
climb
768 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–May, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Dogwood Flats open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Dogwood Flats is a 3.2-mile out-and-back hike in the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, about 3 miles from the Forest Service's own boundary markers. The route gains about 593 feet in elevation over its round trip, with the high point at 768 feet and the low at 405 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at the very start, about 0.13 miles in, where the grade reaches 11%. The trail is a natural-surface route that allows horses, and bikes are not permitted. The trip takes about 1.5 hours, and the trail is open year round. 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. South Ripple Hollow and Ripple Hollow are both about half a mile away, and North Ripple Hollow is about a mile off. Vick Hill, about 1.5 miles away, rounds out the closest options.

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

    Best time to visit Dogwood Flats

    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, 11.8 mi away at 640 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.