Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Franks Pond

1.9 mi
round trip
125 ft
climb
806 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Franks Pond open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Franks Pond is an easy hike of about 1.9 miles in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail is a short out-and-back with a front-loaded climb of about 78 feet one way and a high point of 806 feet, making it a quick outing for a walk, ride or drive through the district. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Dixon Springs put October highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F, and April runs similarly mild at about 70°F, though the station sits roughly 280 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the route run slightly cooler. The trail is natural-surface and carries horses. Bikes are not allowed. The route takes about half an hour, so plan on a short stop rather than a full day. Zimmer Cemetery and Hart's Bluff are both within about a mile, and Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs is roughly 5.8 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Bear Branch Horse Resort

    Campground

    Campground · 2.5 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 Franks Pond

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