Illinois · Hiking

Grindstaff Trail

4.8 mi
round trip
1,012 ft
climb
823 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Caution today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is marginal · USFS, OpenWeather · checked 4 h ago

Is Grindstaff Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Grindstaff Trail, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Shawnee National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Grindstaff Trail is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The route rises to 823 feet from a start near 751 feet, with a total climb of about 1,000 feet and a steepest stretch of 13% grade at about 0.45 miles from the trailhead. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 68°F in April and 69°F in October, while July and August average about 86°F. That station sits roughly 420 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures up top run cooler. The trail is managed by the Forest Service and is open year-round, with the trip estimated to take about two hours. Horses are allowed, and the surface is natural, so plan for it to feel a bit rough in places. Bikes are not. Circle Rock and Snow Cone are both within half a mile, and Russell Cemetery is close by. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods is about 2.8 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Grindstaff Trail

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