Illinois · Hiking

Hart Creek

Hart CreekPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
5.1 mi
round trip
490 ft
climb
757 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Hart Creek open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Hart Creek is a 5.1-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, on Forest Service land. The trail rises from about 548 feet to 757 feet, with a total elevation gain of 490 feet on the way up and the same on the way down. The steepest section comes within the first quarter mile, with a grade of about 12 percent. The trail is rated moderate. It is on natural surface, and horses are allowed, though bikes are not. The hike takes about two hours, and it is open year-round. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons. Typical averages from a nearby weather station show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F. That station sits about 350 feet lower than the trail's high point, so temperatures on the climb run a bit cooler. Nearby options include the Chambers hike, 0.9 miles away, and the 34 Ranch Trail and Grand Trail, each about a mile off. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods is about 5 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Hart 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, 6.4 mi away at 400 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.