Illinois · Hiking

Grand Pierre Creek

6.3 mi
round trip
732 ft
climb
399 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Grand Pierre Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Grand Pierre Creek is an easy, out-and-back hike in Illinois's Shawnee National Forest, within the Hidden Springs Ranger District. The trail is about 6.3 miles long, with a total elevation gain of 43 feet, so it stays almost level from start to finish. The route runs on natural surface, and the Forest Service manages the land. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Rosiclare show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F, with summer highs climbing into the mid-80s. The trail is open year-round, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. Several other trails start close by, including Bill Hill and Hogg Cemetery Trail, each about half a mile away, and North Gap Trail at about 0.6 miles. Pharoah Campground - Garden Of The Gods is about 5.7 miles off for anyone planning an overnight stay.

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

    Best time to visit Grand Pierre Creek

    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, 4.3 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.