Illinois · Hiking

High Knob Ranch

High Knob RanchPhoto: Curtis Abert, CC BY 2.0 (via Flickr)
2.7 mi
round trip
585 ft
climb
818 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is High Knob Ranch open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name High Knob Ranch, 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.

High Knob Ranch is an easy, out-and-back hike on natural trails in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois. The route is about 2.7 miles long, and the climb reaches a high point of 818 feet, with a total gain and loss of about 585 feet over the round trip. The trail starts at roughly 793 feet and rises to 818 feet before turning back. The steepest stretch, a 10% grade, comes around 0.5 miles in. Horses are allowed, and bikes are not. The land is managed by the Forest Service. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to visit. Typical averages from a nearby weather station at Rosiclare show May highs around 75°F and October highs near 69°F, and the trail is open year-round. Buzzard Hollow and Buzzard Point are both within a third of a mile, and Rose Creek Loop is about 0.6 miles away. Pharoah Campground -Garden Of The Gods sits about a mile off.

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

    Best time to visit High Knob Ranch

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