Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Freize

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

Is Freize open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Freize is a 2.6-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The route rises from a low point of 462 feet to a high point of 709 feet, with a total elevation gain of 561 feet, and is rated hard. The trail is natural-surface and allows horses. It is managed by the Forest Service, and the trip can be done in about an hour. The trail is open year-round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 70°F in April to 71°F in October, with summer highs in the upper 80s. That station sits a few hundred feet lower than the high point, so temperatures up top run a little cooler. Nearby, Hayes Creek and Monument are both under a mile away. Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 3.5 miles off, and Manky Alcove offers climbing about 4 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Bear Branch Horse Resort

    Campground

    Campground · 2.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 15 mi
  • If it rains

    Water Fall

    Attraction

    In town

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Freize

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