Illinois · Hiking · Near Goreville

Indian Kitchen Trail

3.0 mi
round trip
392 ft
climb
624 ft
high point
Out and back
route
Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
best months

Is Indian Kitchen Trail open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Shawnee National Forest. It doesn't name Indian Kitchen Trail, 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.

Indian Kitchen Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back hike in the Hidden Springs Ranger District of Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois, managed by the Forest Service. The trail is rated moderate, with a total elevation gain of about 94 feet, and the steepest stretch comes at about 0.4 miles in, where the grade reaches 8%. The trail is on natural surface, and horses are allowed. Bikes are not. That makes it a good fit for riders on horseback or for hikers who want to move at a slower pace. 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. July and August run hotter, with highs in the upper 80s. Several other outings sit close by. Glade and Bear Branch are both under a mile away, Lusk Creek offers canoeing about 1.2 miles off, and Redbud Campground - Bell Smith Springs is about 5.4 miles away.

Around this trail

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

    Bear Branch Horse Resort

    Campground

    Campground · 1.9 mi from the trail
  • Eat after

    Big Blue's BBQ

    Restaurant

    On your way back · 17 mi

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

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

    Best time to visit Indian Kitchen 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

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