Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Dutchman

2.6 mi
round trip
509 ft
climb
801 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Dutchman open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Dutchman is a short, easy out-and-back hike in Shawnee National Forest's Hidden Springs Ranger District in southern Illinois, about 2.6 miles long with a total elevation gain of 509 feet. The trail rises from a low point of 588 feet to a high of 801 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.5 miles in, with a grade of about 9 percent. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is open year-round. The route is rated easy, and the climb is gentle enough to fit into a longer day on the surrounding network of trails. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Dixon Springs show October highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F, and May highs around 77°F. That station sits a few hundred feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the higher ground run a little cooler. The River to River Loop starts just 0.1 mile away, and North Bear Branch is about half a mile off. Paddlers can head to Lusk Creek, about 2.9 miles away, and Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is roughly 4.7 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Bear Branch Horse Resort

    Campground

    Campground · 0.8 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 16 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Dutchman

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