Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

H Connect

2.4 mi
round trip
422 ft
climb
595 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is H Connect open right now?

Closure in the area

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

H Connect is an easy, 2.4-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The trail rises about 113 feet from a low point of 475 feet to a high of 595 feet, with the steepest stretch at about 0.9 miles in, where the grade reaches 5%. The trail is natural-surfaced and allows horses, and bikes are not permitted. It sits close to several other short hikes, including Cedar Grove, about 0.1 mile away, and Cedar, about 0.2 mile away. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show October highs around 71°F with lows near 46°F, and May highs around 77°F. Summer highs typically reach the upper 80s. Nearby options include the climbing areas The Gentleman's Grotto and La Haceinda, both within about 2.6 miles, and Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, about 3.7 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Primitive Campsite Jackson Falls

    Campground

    Campground · 3.1 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Subway

    Fast food

    Open after 6
  • 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 H Connect

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

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