Illinois · Hiking

Fulkerson Branch

1.6 mi
round trip
192 ft
climb
676 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Fulkerson Branch open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Fulkerson Branch is an easy, out-and-back hike in Shawnee National Forest's Hidden Springs Ranger District in southern Illinois, about 1.6 miles long and rated easy. The trail rises from about 595 feet to a high point of 676 feet, with a total gain and loss of 192 feet each way. It is a short trip, estimated to take about half an hour. The trail is on natural surface and is open year-round. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run from highs around 68°F and lows near 43°F in April to highs around 69°F and lows near 43°F in October. That station sits about 276 feet lower than the trail, so temperatures on the hike run a little cooler. Old Strech is a hike just 0.2 miles away, and Nugget is about 1.1 miles off. The One Horse Gap climbing area and the paddling on Old Channel are both about 5.2 miles from the trail.

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

    Best time to visit Fulkerson Branch

    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

      41° / 22°

      10 wet

    2. Feb

      46° / 25°

      9 wet

    3. Mar

      56° / 33°

      11 wet

    4. Apr

      68° / 43°

      11 wet

    5. May

      75° / 53°

      11 wet

    6. Jun

      83° / 62°

      9 wet

    7. Jul

      86° / 65°

      9 wet

    8. Aug

      86° / 63°

      8 wet

    9. Sep

      80° / 55°

      7 wet

    10. Oct

      69° / 43°

      8 wet

    11. Nov

      56° / 33°

      9 wet

    12. Dec

      45° / 26°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Rosiclare 5nw, IL, 9.1 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.