Illinois · Hiking

Harts Hollow

5.4 mi
round trip
999 ft
climb
705 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Harts Hollow open right now?

Closure in the area

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

Harts Hollow is a 5.4-mile out-and-back hike in Illinois, set within the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest. The route climbs from about 450 feet to 705 feet, with the steepest stretch at 14% grade about 0.4 miles in. The trail is rated hard and is open year-round. It is a natural-surface route, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Rosiclare show October highs around 69°F and May highs around 75°F. That station sits about 305 feet lower than the trail's high point, so expect temperatures on the ridge to run a bit cooler. North Gap Trail and Rocky Top are each within half a mile of the trail, and Bill Hill and Hogg Cemetery Trail are about 0.6 miles away.

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

    Best time to visit Harts Hollow

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